Most sporting codes still remain closed

The country moved to Level Two, which allows most sectors to reopen, but the sporting and entertainment industry is in limbo as there are still operating restrictions.

The Level Two regulations prohibits the sector from having spectators at sporting events and cultural activities, including the hosting of international events. In relation to concerts, entertainment events and cinemas only allow for 50 people.

The same restrictions will apply to gyms, sports grounds and public swimming pools.

Many formal and informal sporting clubs have been affected and are still unsure about the way forward as many leagues were affected.

Mickey Modisane, chief director of marketing and communications for Sport and Recreation South Africa, said the department is assisting the formal and informal sports clubs.

Applicants who are eligible to apply include athletes, coaches, technical support personnel and freelance fitness instructors or practitioners.

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“These are applicants who rely solely on income generated from participating in sport competitions, events and fitness activities and those who operate as freelancers.

“They need to send all relevant documents to prove they earn a living through sports,” said Modisane.

Applicants must be South African citizens and also need the following to apply:

• Certified copy of South African identity document. Date of certification should not be older than three months. Passports or driver’s licences are not allowed.
• Valid proof of bank account.
• Detailed bank statements showing income earned from sport competitions, events, activities and fitness instruction services from March 2019 to February 2020.
• If you are an athlete, coach or technical support personnel, a signed and dated letter from your federation or organisation confirming your activities is required.
• If you are a fitness instructor or practitioner, a letter (signed and dated) from an institution or organisation you provided services to as a fitness instructor or practitioner.

“The maximum amount of relief available per applicant is set at R6 600. The department and its agencies reserve the right to conduct verification, due diligence and request additional information prior to providing the relief funds,” said Modise.

GCN also spoke to Athletics South Africa (ASA) about the athletics fraternity and the effects of the pandemic on sports.

Sifiso Cele, ASA media liaison consultant, said ASA has decided they will not be hosting any events.

“ASA has resolved not to host any national activities or participate at international events until ASA deems it safe to do so or until it is expertly advised by the Department of Sport and World Athletics that it is medically safe to host events at national and international stage.

“Once expertly advised by the Department of Sport, ASA will then take the responsibility to assess and decide on the appropriate way forward,” said Cele.

He said ASA is being extra precautionary in the matter because they don’t want to take unnecessary risks.

“Even though athletics has been classified as a non-contact sport, it has unavoidable dynamics that may not be controlled during the action of competition and therefore making transmission a dangerous reality. ASA has chosen to be extra cautious because one infection or one death, would be one too many for our sport,” said Cele.

“Because of those reasons, ASA programmes and activities continue to be either postponed or cancelled and will be opened when it is time to do so and when we deem it safe to,” said Cele.

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