True citizenship requires self-reliance and the capacity for independence. But our growing reliance on government for even the most basic needs has stripped many South Africans of that independence.

It is almost as if American writer Wendell Berry foresaw what would become of societies that surrendered too much responsibility to the state. In his 1969 essay The Three-Legged House, he wrote: “If a man continues long in direct and absolute dependence on the government for the necessities of life, he ceases to be a citizen and becomes a slave.”

Berry argued that excessive dependence on the state erodes personal freedom, turning active citizens into passive subjects.

Those words echoed in my mind as I sat in the back of a taxi on my way to work on Saturday morning, listening to the breakfast show on Ekasi FM.

The presenter launched into a passionate monologue questioning why young athletes selected to represent their provinces or South Africa should have to ask for donations when government departments have budgets for sport and recreation.

I listened carefully because it is an issue we have highlighted before. But the argument lost me when every failure was laid squarely at government’s door.

The presenter argued that funding is concentrated on football and rugby while many other sporting codes are left fighting over the scraps.

Given the recent controversy surrounding the Department of Sport’s reported expenditure of almost R20 million to send fans, influencers, Bafana Bafana legends and government officials to the FIFA World Cup in the United States, the frustration is understandable.

On one point, I agree completely. It is unacceptable for athletes who have earned national colours to go cap in hand to neighbours, friends and businesses simply to represent their country. The government should ensure that those athletes are properly supported.

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But an athlete who needs assistance to compete in a provincial tournament should not automatically become the government’s responsibility.

That responsibility should first rest with local, regional and provincial federations, which receive government grants and, in many cases, corporate support. Clubs, communities and, most importantly, parents also have a crucial role to play.

Somewhere along the line, we have become comfortable shifting almost every responsibility onto coaches, clubs, and government, while expecting parents to contribute very little beyond applause from the sidelines.

I see the incredible work done by coach Lefu Lephoto of Mamepe Striders in Duduza. He has produced provincial athletes for years, often without meaningful financial support from parents, while freely giving his time.

Yet some parents proudly celebrate their children’s victories at cross-country league meetings, glasses of wine in hand, but become noticeably quieter when Lephoto asks for financial contributions to help athletes reach the next competition.

Priorities.

Yes, unemployment is a harsh reality, and many families face genuine financial hardship. But where there is some capacity, parents should see spending time and money on their children’s sporting dreams as an investment rather than an expense.

Government has a role. Federations have a role. Clubs and communities have a role.

But parents have the biggest role of all.

If we continue believing that every pair of spikes, every tournament entry and every transport bill must be paid for by government, we risk creating exactly what Berry warned against – a nation that waits instead of one that builds.

Parents must invest in their children before expecting government to do it for them.

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