Date: 04/12/2004
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Stali: Launch of Mass Participation Programme


Extracts from the speech by Mr Chris Stali, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Sports and Recreation at the launch of the Mass Participation Programme, Site C Stadium, Khayelitsha

By providing you this platform and expose some of you to new sporting codes, the government is living true to its promise of a better of life for all. A better life in the sense that sport is now a career and an interest in any career for that matter could only be pursued once a person has been exposed to it. The fact that certain sporting codes like hockey, baseball and aquatic sports are considered exclusive sports fora certain section of the population are resultant perceptions entrenched by the legacy of apartheid. Those who perpetuated these perceptions conveniently forgot that the previously disadvantaged communities had no facilities, sporting equipment and resources to be able to compete at the same level.

The situation still remains unchanged in these communities; however today's programme is another one of government's demonstrated commitments to the agenda of redress. The government is now firmly on course to improving the lot of our people in the sporting front.

Through Siyadlala, a new generation of sportsmen and women fully representative of the demographics of the country will emerge in the nearest future, even in sporting codes that are traditionally regarded as no-go areas for other sections of the population.

I am particularly elated that my department is actively involved in levelling the playing field, so that all learners and the citizens of this province and country can have equal chances to launch their sporting careers. This also fits in perfectly with our vision of creating a Western Cape that is a harmonious Home for All.

Siyadlala Mass participation programme is a national project of Sport and Recreation South Africa. It was officially launched in Upington in the Northern Cape approximately two months ago by President Mbeki and National Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhenkesi Stofile. The objective is to facilitate mass participation in sport and recreation activities, especially to mobilise previously disadvantaged communities in high crime areas and government priority areas.

Mr Chris Stali addressed about 2000 aspiring sportspersons from the Metropolitan region. 39 Qualified trainers that have been, since June this year, specifically trained to actively promote different new sporting codes to the marginalised communities, were at hand to demonstrate how to play certain games. The games displayed included gymnastics, aerobics, basketball, handball and all indigenous sports.

Enquiries: Mandla Yeki
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 553 3477
Issued by: Department of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Western Cape Provincial Government
4 December 2004
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)