GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) recently met with the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality’s (DBNLM) sports council and local stakeholders to discuss and draft the annual operational plan for sport development in the Sarah Baartman District.
Brendan Hector, representing DSRAC’s sport development division, led consultations with some of the local federations to outline strategic objectives, implementation techniques and the desired outcomes for the 2025/26 operational plan.
The primary focus was to ensure that these sports organisations understood the compliance requirements necessary to benefit from government support.
The federations were urged to align their administrative affairs by formalising their structures, affiliating with the local sports council, and ensuring proper governance.
According to Brendan Hector, accountability and compliance are essential for accessing government resources.
From left are Johan Marais (cricket), Dan Memese (ABC Motsepe), Cynthia Jaftha (netball), Brendan Hector (DSRAC SBD Sport Development), Gloria Williams (netball), Xolile Galada (soccer), Ronnie Marlow (boxing), Sakhile Gunguluza (rugby), Daniel Pieterse (football) and Robert Hector (DBNLM’s sports council). Photo: Neco Bokwe
Robert Hector, chairperson of the DBNLM’s sports council, welcomed the department’s visit and reinforced the importance of compliance among local clubs.
However, some stakeholders voiced their concerns about the lack of implementation and consultation regarding sports projects.
Cricket representative Johan Marais criticised the government for failing to follow through on promises, citing in particular the incomplete Kollie Koeberg Stadium project. “We don’t just need words - we need action,” Marais stated.
Football representative Dan Memese highlighted the positive impact of sport development, noting that the department’s support, such as providing equipment and attire, helps keep young people engaged.
However, he emphasised the urgent need for better sports facilities, warning that without further investment, crime could escalate due to a lack of structured activities for youth.
Additionally, local sports leaders expressed frustration over the deteriorating state of municipal sports facilities.
In a strongly worded statement, the local football association’s chairperson, Vuyisile Cedrick Yeyana, called out the municipality for years of neglect.
“Our sports fields are either dilapidated or non-existent, yet budgets are allocated for sports development,” he said, demanding an urgent meeting with municipal leaders to address the ongoing issues.
Among the concerns raised were:
• the need for artificial pitches suited to the region’s climate
• the restoration of Kollie Koeberg Stadium
• regular maintenance of sports facilities
• transparent budget allocations for hosting tournaments.
Sports leaders warned that unless these issues were addressed, they would take further action, including organising a protest march to demand accountability from local authorities.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges facing sports development in the district, but also underscored the commitment of local federations to push for meaningful change.
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