Sports minister clarifies funding limits for federations and athletes
Gayton McKenzie has reminded federations that government support covers basic costs only and is not a blank cheque for every event or trip.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has issued a firm reminder of how government funding for local and international sporting events actually works.
He said recent media reports and public criticism, often fuelled by opportunistic political parties, wrongly portray the ministry as denying athletes or events the money they need.
The department provides financial support to more than 60 national federations.
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The budget is fixed, approved by Parliament and managed under the Public Finance Management Act.
It is intended mainly to help cover basic administrative costs, not the full expense of international travel or hosting major events in South Africa.
McKenzie stressed that the primary responsibility for a federation’s financial health rests with its elected board.
Boards must draw up sound business plans and create commercial products that attract sponsors.
Even as non-profit bodies, they are expected to operate with the same discipline and innovation as commercial companies.
“If they wish to raise more money, they need to think commercially, and operate commercially,” the minister said. “If they do not wish to raise funds to grow their sport, they should accept that they are offering primarily a recreational activity, or even just a hobby interest, to their participants.”
Government’s role is to set the regulatory framework, policy direction and enabling conditions. It is not government’s job to make federations commercially viable, he added.
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Mckenzie said where federations show sustained failure in governance and performance, the department will act. Basketball South Africa lost its recognition status after prolonged problems and is now being rebuilt with support from Fiba Africa and Sascoc.
By contrast, Wrestling South Africa received an increased allocation for strong performance.
The department also funded 34 athletes for the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Sri Lanka and 54 for the Africa Youth Chess Championships in Uganda at a combined cost of more than R4m. Such support is possible but never guaranteed.
McKenzie noted that major codes such as rugby, cricket and soccer fund their own athletes’ international appearances.
“To represent one’s country in a sport is a great honour and a privilege… but it is not a right, and to treat it as a right would be irresponsible and unrealistic,” he concluded, urging commentators to show greater restraint.
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