Deadline extended for the submission of proposals for funding of Gauteng sports, arts and culture projects

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the extension of the deadline for the submission of the proposals for the funding of sport, art and culture projects in the province.

This follows the declaration of the 21-day national lockdown by President Ramaphosa to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

The initial deadline for the submission of these proposals was 31 March, however the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation has extended the deadline to 29 May 2020.

The DA supports the extension of the deadline as this will give different sporting clubs, arts and culture projects particularly in the townships, an opportunity to submit their proposals.

Township sporting clubs and various arts and culture projects are facing serious challenges posed by the lack of sporting facilities, equipment and gear for different sporting codes.

The DA believes that this funding should be given to projects that will unearth and nurture local talent across different sporting codes as well as assist in grassroots development.

The DA will monitor how this funding will be allocated to ensure that projects that benefit residents are prioritised, and that the money is spent on fulfilling the core mandate of this department.

Gauteng Sports MEC Prioritises Events over Development

Gauteng Sports MEC Molebatsi Bopape today showed her disdain for sports development in the province through her misguided belief that hosting events hold more importance than purchasing sports equipment.

Oral Questions in the Gauteng Legislature

Solly Msimanga DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Sports

During her response to oral questions on funding for the Gauteng Sports Awards, the DA asked the MEC why more than R25 million was spent on events in the first three quarters of the 2014/15 financial year, but only R591 000 on sports equipment.

In an amusing attempt to wriggle out of what is clearly an embarrassing situation, it became quite clear the MEC had no idea of the affairs of her department, when she said that “The Department of Sports is a department of events”.

Repositioning Gauteng Sports Department Expenditure

The DA has for years been calling for the re-prioritisation of the department’s expenditure from hosting lavish events and overseas trips for MECs, to improving sports infrastructure in our communities and to provide equipment to the disadvantaged youth.

And while MEC Bopape, like her predecessors, continues to ignore this advice, school athletes chosen to represent Gauteng at the South African Schools Championships in Rustenburg were informed two weeks ago that they would be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

The DA will submit further written questions to the MEC, asking for a detailed description of every event hosted, when they were held, and whether any talent identification took place.

We will also ask the MEC to provide us with details of the department’s talent identification systems across the major codes, individual and group coaching clinics, as well as long and medium term mentoring until athletes start competing at major events.

 

Media enquiries:

Solly Msimanga MPL

DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Sports

060 558 8308

[Image source]

DA Sends Condolences to Family and Friends of Rapper Flabba

The DA passes its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of South African rapper Nkululeko Habedi, better known as Flabba who passed away in the early hours of this morning.

Habedi was part of the rap group Skwatta Kamp. According to reports, its alleged that Habedi was stabbed by his girlfriend.

Skwatta Kamp is SA’s most successful rap group in terms of the most albums sold by a  South African rap group. Flabba’s catchy lyrics  in both English and vernacular added a unique flavour to South Africa’s Hip Hop industry and will be sorely missed.

It is a sad day for South Africans, may his soul rest in peace.

 

Media enquiries:

Kingsol Chabalala MPL

DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation

060 558 8299

[Image source]