Mbalula punishes sporting federations for lack of transformation

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has revoked the rights of four of the country's biggest federations from hosting international tournaments. He made the announcement at the release of the eminent persons group (EPG) transformation report in Pretoria on Monday. The South African Rugby Union‚ Cricket South Africa‚ Athletics South Africa and Netball South Africa have been barred from hosting international tournaments‚ the sports minister announced‚ following their failure to meet their transformation targets. Last May‚ the Department of Sports and Recreation‚ South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) and a number of South Africa's sporting federations signed a memorandum of agreement to transform along racial and gender lines‚ and to include more people with disabilities. The four unions were deemed to have fallen short of those agreed targets. “I have resolved to remove the privilege for Athletics South Africa‚ Cricket South Africa‚ Netball South Africa and the South African Rugby Union to host or bid for any major and mega international tournaments in the Republic of South Africa with immediate effect‚” said Mbalula. “It is a consequence of the federations not meeting their own set transformation targets. I will review this decision when considering the results of the 2016/17 transformation barometer. “I resolved not to invoke punitive measures that may either paralyse our federations financially or deny opportunities for our athletes to compete continentally and globally.” The South African Football Association (Safa) escaped punishment after meeting its transformation targets but the minister scolded football for failing to spread the game to advantaged areas. “I am delighted to announce that Safa has met its transformation targets‚” said Mbalula. “I will‚ however‚ issue a ministerial directive to Safa as a consequence of their poor drive to penetrate and roll out football in former 'Model C' and private schools.” The Minister said: “I am directing all federations and sports bodies to establish transformation committees and appoint transformation officers as cricket and rugby have done.” - TMG Digital