Times Of Swaziland: CALLS FOR IMPROVED SPORTS BUDGET

CALLS FOR IMPROVED SPORTS BUDGET
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Sanele Jele on 21/02/2024 08:40:00


MBABANE – As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Budget Speech by
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, sports associations have in unison called
for an increased share to support sports development and international
participation.
Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) Maxwell Jele highlighted the need for increased financial support
to facilitate the selection and participation of Eswatini teams in multi-sport
international events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, African Games,
and Regional Games. While acknowledging the existing financial assistance
provided by the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council, Jele expressed the
association’s hope for an increased allocation towards international sports
participation.
Eswatini National Darts Association (ENDA) President Phumlani ‘Kofi’
Ndwandwe stressed the importance of directing funds towards schools to enhance
sports development.
Ndwandwe saw the need for more sports centres to ensure mass participation and
lower the cost barriers to entry into sports. Additionally, he expressed the
association’s anticipation for the passing of the Sports Bill to further raise
funding for sports. Eswatini Cue Sports Association (ECSA) President Muntu
Dlamini underlined the significance of an improved sports budget to support
youth development and international participation in cue sports. Dlamini
emphasised the association’s focus on youth development and the potential
positive impact of an increased budget allocation.
Eswatini Swimming Association’s (ESA) Meluleki Simelane highlighted the need
for investments in infrastructure, such as pools and aquatic facilities, and
increased funding for programmes promoting swimming and water safety. Simelane
emphasised the potential positive impact of these investments on the
association’s growth and development, as well as increasing access to swimming
for all.
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Athletics Eswatini (AE) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Victor ‘Mavikana’
Dlamini, echoed the sentiments of the other associations, emphasising the
importance of an improved budget and the passing of the Sports Bill to elevate
sports to an industry. Dlamini also highlighted the lack of facilities in
certain regions and the need for an improved budget to support athletes’
participation in international competitions, particularly in this year’s
Olympic Games. The collective voice of these sports associations underscores the
critical need for increased financial support to drive sports development,
facilitate international participation and create opportunities for athletes
across various sporting disciplines. As the Budget Speech approaches, the sports
community eagerly awaits the outcome, hoping for a positive impact on the future
of sports in Eswatini.