PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENT: IN TERMS OF SECTIONS 56(D) AND 69 (D) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA:

Political interference in sport through the agency of the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill (2006)

Deeply aware of the fact that a clear distinction between the organs of state and the organs of civil society is a fundamental requirement for the existence of a mature democracy;

In recognition of the fact that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (No. 108 of 1996), in Sections 239 & 31, differentiates between organs of the state and organs of civil society;

We note with concern the proposed powers that will be bestowed on the Minister of port by the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill (2006) to intervene in the affairs of civil sporting bodies. A weakening of the separation between the organs of state and the organs of civil society holds a direct threat to democracy.

In acknowledgement of the fundamental values contained in the Olympic Charter to combat political exploitation of sport (Olympic Charter: section 2.10) and also to combat all forms of discrimination in sport (Olympic Charter: section 3.2);

Profoundly aware of the fact that the international soccer governing body FIFA expelled Greece from international soccer on July 3rd, 2006 due to interference by the country's government in sport, at which time AFA made it clear that soccer structures were the only ones who had the authority to decide on soccer matters, independent of government interference;

We note with concern that interference by the South African government in sport, which will be made possible by the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill (2006), violates the charters of international sporting federations and consequently puts South Africa's future participation in international sport at risk. In the light of South Africa's successful bid to stage to 2010 Soccer World Cup, and other benefits that the country derives from participation in international sport, any action that imperils such international participation is not in the interest of anyone in South Africa.

We therefore petition the honourable parliament, in terms of Sections 56(d) and 69 of the van die Constitution, to resolve:

·         That all political interference in South African sport is to cease; and

 

·         That the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill (2006) is amended to prohibit government interference in sport.