SPORTS BUDGET STILL UNSATISFACTORY

Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg was in the spotlight in the past week, as he presented the budget estimates for the year 2023/24.

Like in previous years, sectors supported by government were looking forward to this day. The Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) also benefits and has been over the years getting slightly over E7 million, which was to be shared with the over 20 recognised national sports associations. There was a relief for some, as the budget estimates showed an increase of more than E12 million for sports. The new budget was announced to be E19 514 221 in this year’s allocation. Last year’s figures were at E7 724 710.

increase

The general feeling among some of the sports associations was that this increase should be celebrated. From Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs’ Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga’s reaction to the budget, it became clear that a lion’s share of the budget would cover international participation. Following repeated grumbles over the years about the budget, the revised figures gave a glimmer of hope in the bid to have sports taken serious by government. In a nutshell, what should be celebrated is the effort to recognise sports not the figures that remain ridiculous and unsatisfactory. After all, we are talking about a budget, and only time will tell if all of the money will eventually be released. But international participation is crucial in sports development, if we are serious about encouraging athletes to reach for the stars. Investment in sports by government is not a favour.  

positive

Sports activities have a positive role to play as ingredients in wider ranging initiatives to address issues of health promotion, diversion of crime, education and employment initiatives and community development and social inclusion. A state should invest and invest heavily, in the development of sport. Rather than presenting sports as a hobby or an alternative pastime, it should be ingrained into the system as a way of life. Over the years, government has been reminded to invest in sports for several reasons. In a country fighting with obesity cases and malnutrition, a decent sporting infrastructure may go a long way in improving general health levels. Who knows, we might do away with pot-bellied police officials! If we have a functional and efficient sports infrastructure, we will have more people playing. With that, they learn how to lose and accept it. The biggest difference in a sportsman and someone who does not play is the way they react to failures.

Consider

Even if we do not consider Olympic Games and other sporting events that make sports a viable career option, basic virtues like teamwork, integrity and hard work are infused through sports. This, I feel, would go a long way in improving a nation’s human resource. There are other behavioural aspects that improve in the long run. Also, it is a very creative way to channelise your energy. With Eswatini still struggling to leave a mark on the big stage, having an allocation for international participation should be a springboard for a proper investment in sports. For the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs  Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, who his serving his last year in the five-year term, there is a lot of reflection to do after the budget. While he can celebrate delivering the increased budget, like the previous ministers, he might leave office without the issue of the Sports Bill being finalised.

Ongoing

Yes, there is an ongoing restructuring for state-owned enterprises that is affecting the process but the sports fraternity wants the Act as in yesterday. For starters, the Bill, among other things, seeks to safeguard the interests of athletes and will be by regulating standard of professionalism for administrators, coaches, volunteers. That will include compensating athletes who may befall unforeseen incidents during the involvement in sport. Then there is the thorny issue of the stadium, which the minister should also not leave hanging before he exits office.
It is no secret that government has over the years demonstrated incapability to finance the facility, which can cost at least E2 billion or more.  In one of his updates to the portfolio committee in Parliament, the minister had shared plans to construct the stadium through a public–private partnership.

involves

This simply involves having a contractor constructing the facility with naming rights and then government pays the contractor. Before the minister leaves, a comprehensive progress on this important exercise is needed.

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