Mthethwa expresses concern at lack of transformation in sport

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa feels black South Africans are underrepresented in sports, according to a statement issued out by his department on Friday.

This is after receiving a report from the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which is tasked with keeping tabs on the rate of transformation across the country’s sports bodies.

Disappointing findings on transformation in sports

In the statement, it’s revealed that Mthethwa had met with the group’s chairperson, and the two had a “frank and robust” discussion held “in good spirits”.

“Minister Mthethwa was concerned about the lack of implementation of the EPG team recommendations; and went as far as proposing an investigation on the enforcement mechanism including the possibility of using legislative instruments to ensure that all the transformation objectives are realised,” the statement reads.

“The report highlights that more than 50% of the audited federations have achieved their transformation targets.

“Black Africans and women are underrepresented in every sphere of South African sport.”

Department of Sports, Arts and Culture

Increasing participation in schools

Mthethwa also noted that an improved effort needed to be made to ensure more schools participate in sports.

According to the department, only 10% of South Africa’s schools take part in sporting activities.

He raised concern on leadership and governance matters that have consistently undermined the development and transformation of sport in the country.

“He highlighted the urgent need for a fundamental discussion of re-imagining sport in the country, a major part of that being transformation,” the statement reads.

“The Minister also added that we must sharpen our tools for recruitment of talent in townships and rural areas, where a majority of talented athletes come from.”

Department of Sports, Arts and Culture

The EPG report on transformation is released annually, with its most recent edition issued out in April 2019 under former Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa.

It was a similar report in 2016 which prompted Fikile Mbalula, during his tenure heading the department, to ban sports bodies such as SA Rugby and Cricket South Africa from bidding to host international events due to lack of transformation.