Cultural Affairs and Sport
What steps is her Department taking (a) to address the significant reduction in funding to national sports federations, which has led to cuts of up to 60% for some sports codes, and (b) to ensure that such decisions do not (i) undermine grassroots sport development or (ii) expose the sector to increased risk of corruption?
20.(a) The Department is aware of the significant reduction in funding to national sport federations, with some sports codes facing cuts of up to 60%. These reductions inevitably have a ripple effect on provinces, as federations rely on national funding to drive programmes, competitions, and capacity-building initiatives that extend down to grassroots level.
In response to these funding cuts, DCAS has taken proactive steps to limit the negative impact on the Western Cape:
- Reprioritisation of Provincial Funding:
Within our provincial allocation, we have safeguarded funding to district and provincial federations and ensured timely transfers to minimise disruption to grassroots activities.
- Bridging Gaps at Provincial Level:
Where national federations have reduced support for competitions or programmes, DCAS has strengthened district and provincial structures to host provincial-level events and talent identification opportunities, ensuring athletes are not disadvantaged.
- Enhanced Support to Federations:
We continue to provide technical and administrative support to district federations to build resilience and reduce dependence on fluctuating national allocations.
(b) Safeguarding Grassroots Sport, Exploring Alternative Funding, and Mitigating Corruption
(i) Mitigating the Impact on Grassroots Development:
By targeting resources at district and club level, we ensure that communities remain supported despite reduced national inputs. This includes protecting allocations for youth programmes, coaches, and club development. The funding already transferred to 74 of 127 district federations in the current financial year reflects this commitment.
The Department has also recognised that public funds are limited and have created platforms for the Western Cape Provincial Sport Confederation (WCPSC) to engage directly with the private sector and big business. These platforms are designed to attract sponsorships, social investment, and alternate revenue streams that can supplement government allocations. This partnership-driven approach aims to reduce the dependancy on public funds and cushion the blow of reduced national transfers by diversifying the funding base available to federations.
(ii) Strengthening Transparency and Mitigating Corruption Risks
Given the increased pressure on limited resources, DCAS has intensified its anti-corruption safeguards to ensure funds are used for their intended purpose and to build confidence with both government and private partners:
- Regulated Application Process:
All applications are adjudicated in line with the Sport and Recreation Funding Policy and guided by published criteria.
- Direct Transfers: Funds are paid directly to district federations, reducing intermediaries and opportunities for mismanagement.
- Verification and Oversight:
The Department verifies expenditure against approved purposes, with mandatory reporting and monitoring requirements.
- Auditing and Accountability:
Federations are subject to audits, and failure to comply with reporting obligations may affect future allocations.
Conclusion
In short, while cuts to national federations have created real challenges, DCAS has acted by:
- protecting district and grassroots funding in the Western Cape,
- bridging gaps in competitions and development pathways,
- enabling federations to leverage alternative funding platforms with the private sector, and
- tightening anti-corruption measures to safeguard scarce resources.
These steps are designed to ensure that athletes, clubs, and communities in the Western Cape feel the impact of the national reductions as little as possible, while strengthening transparency and trust in the system.
