Sport and Recreation Bill: Pressure on to extend comment dates

The Democratic Alliance (DA) have welcomed the Department of Sport and Recreation’s correction of the dates for submission of comments on proposed amendments to the National Sport and Recreation Act (110 of 1998).

The South African Institute for Drug-free Sport Act (25 of 2006) is also set for an amendment, and the dates for comments on that bill have also been clarified.

Dates for submissions on National Sport and Recreation Act amendment clarified

“The Democratic Alliance welcomes yesterday’s decision by the Department of Sport and Recreation to correct the dates for submission of comments to the proposed amendments to both the National Sport and Recreation Act (110 of 1998) and the South African Institute for Drug-free Sport Act (25 of 2006),” a press release from the office of Shadow Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture Veronica van Dyk reads.

“This comes after persistent pressure from the DA, requesting clarity as two contradicting dates were listed on adverts inviting written representations. The contradicting dates initially also appeared on the department’s website, creating confusion on the final date for written submissions.”

DA calls for an extension on comments on controversial bill

The opposition have urged the public to submit comments on the bill while also asking for the dates for submissions to be extended.

The proposed amendments to the National Sport and Recreation Act would effectively nationalize all sport including amateur clubs and gyms.

ANC slammed for draft law which ‘allows ministers to pick national teams’

National sporting Federations have expressed concern over the vague wording of the bill and the extent of control granted to the Minister of Sports and Recreation over sporting bodies. A sentiment echoed by the DA.

“Now that the department has confirmed the final date for written representations as 28 February 2020, we urge that this date is extended to provide sufficient time for interested parties to submit representations. The Democratic Alliance will continue to keep the public informed as to these Amendment Bills. We also want to urge the public to participate in submitting written representations to the department, as well as the national federations to study the Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill and to consult with their national governing bodies.

“The Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill seeks to nationalize sport in South Africa, putting the Minister at the centre of everything involving sport at a local, provincial and national level. We will fight these amendments in Parliament to ensure sport in South Africa is not nationalized.”