All sporting codes need development funds. But it is becoming evident that government coffers are overburdened, as corporate sponsorship is dwindling as, battling with tough economic times, companies are cutting down on their corporate social responsibility budgets. To make matters worse, available funds are diverted for other non-core causes.
And to address the situation, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, told Parliament in his budget vote speech that his department had formulated a new funding model to finance the National Sport and Recreation Plan. He said: “Key to this funding model is the financing mechanisms for school sport.”
He mentioned ring-fencing funds allocated to school sports from the National Treasury and the national lottery. “This will ensure that these funds are spent on school sport,” he said. Diversion of funds meant for programmes has stalled grassroots sports development.