The IFP is deeply concerned that very little is being done regarding the provision of sporting programmes and facilities for those who are physically challenged.
Delivering his Budget Debate Speech today in the KZN Legislature, Mr Nhlanhla Msimango MPL, said “The Department of Sports and Recreation must ensure that this sector of our community is fully catered for and that the appropriate programmes are devised and implemented. We should not allow people who are physically challenged to be neglected in this regard.”
“Unfortunately, disabled people wanting to take part in sporting activities face extra problems: transport, money, lack of suitable clubs and lack of information. Access to sporting facilities is about enabling people to have a broad sense of well-being and opportunities to express and make choices about their lives.”
Msimango further stated that “I am appealing to both the MECs of Sports and Education that their departments must build schools that have the appropriate sports facilities. There are far too many schools and communities that don’t have any facilities for sport.
The Department of Local Government also has a role to play in areas such as town planning where in the planning of new residential areas, due consideration and provision must be made for suitable land to be made available for sports facilities. This is where inter-departmental co-operation and consolidation of ideas is sorely lacking. The MEC must call on her colleagues in the other departments to work in a co-ordinated manner in order to achieve the goals and strategic objectives of this department.”
Issued by:
Mr Nhlanhla Msimango, 078 302 4657
IFP KZN Spokesperson on Sports and Recreation
For Media related matters:
Mr Phendulani Biyase, IFP Media Officer, 073 024 5675