The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has warned that national sports federations across South Africa are grappling with significant funding shortfalls and governance weaknesses.
The department briefed Parliament’s portfolio committee on Tuesday, outlining the financial and administrative pressures facing sporting bodies affiliated to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).
FUNDING SHORTFALLS AFFECT MAJORITY OF CODES
Officials told Members of Parliament that of SASCOC’s 75 member federations, only 60 are currently receiving financial support. A total of R98 million has been allocated to sport federations for the current financial year.
However, the department noted that some sporting codes have not submitted funding applications, effectively excluding themselves from accessing available resources.
The limited funding pool, coupled with uneven application processes, has placed additional strain on federations already battling operational challenges.
GOVERNANCE CONCERNS RAISED
Beyond funding constraints, the department highlighted ongoing governance issues within the sports sector. It revealed that 51% of federations do not employ any staff members, describing the situation as unsustainable and harmful to effective administration and athlete development.
Officials warned that the lack of institutional capacity directly affects athletes, with concerns raised about long-term development pathways and South Africa’s ability to remain competitive internationally.
PROPOSAL FOR NATIONAL SPORT FUND
Deputy Director-General Vincent Campbell told the committee that the department is exploring the creation of a national sport fund. The proposed fund would allow private companies and individuals to contribute towards strengthening financial support for federations.
He indicated that even well-resourced federations could contribute to a centralised fund aimed at supplementing limited government resources and ensuring broader support across all sporting codes.
The department said it is working to tighten compliance measures and improve governance standards in an effort to stabilise federations and strengthen the overall sports ecosystem.
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