Covid-19: DA calls on government to re-open professional non-contact sports codes under strict hygiene and health measures

The financial insecurity resultant from the Covid-19 lockdown has had a major impact on athletes across South Africa and the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, to re-open professional non-contact sports codes under strict hygiene and social distancing measures.

The party said in a statement that the call comes in light of the minister’s refusal to re-open the application period for athletes and artists to access the department’s Arts and Sports Sector Relief Fund. The application process was, it said, marred by challenges including technical glitches, poor communications and an insufficient application period. This resulted in several athletes not being able to apply for funding.

Many athletes are currently experiencing a challenging financial period as sports events across the globe have been cancelled and they have no source of income. The party said that athletes are understandably anxious to return to the competitive arena, but added that due to some of government’s unnecessarily strict lockdown regulations, they have very limited options to sustain themselves and their families.

The statement went on to say that the DA is of the view that the re-opening of non-contact sports codes like swimming, tennis, golf, athletics and others, without the presence of spectators is possible if strict hygiene and Covid-19 protocols are in place.

“Many athletes were prevented from applying for relief assistance due to the department’s inefficiencies and have lost their last opportunity to access some sort of a lifeline. Since the department is refusing to give them a second chance to access financial assistance, the right thing to do is to re-open non-contact sports codes where possible,” read the statement.

The DA said it believes that the reopening of non-contact sports will not only be a welcome boost for the sports sector and the economy but will also lift the spirits of athletes and the public during this unprecedented time.

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