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‘When is it interference’?

Andrew Langa

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa has questioned the wisdom of preventing central governments from direct involvement in the running of sport in their countries.

Presenting a paper on the role of governments in sport development at the ongoing African Union Sports Council Region 5 sports confederations forum at a Bulawayo hotel on Wednesday, Minister Langa said it was ironic that when sports federations approached governments requesting assistance and governments consent, it is never regarded as government intervention, but when the same governments demand accountability, the move is viewed as interference.

“Governments have a direct responsibility of remunerating national team coaches in most countries while respective sports federations transmit the payment. It’s governments that ensure coaches have work permits and other support services, training facilities and that teams are able to fulfil national and international assignments.

“As such, governments assume an oversight role to protect the sport as well as the athletes, infrastructure and the country’s image but when the same government demands accountability this is viewed as interference warranting international sports federations’ sympathy,” said Minister Langa.

He said governments play a significant role in creating a conducive environment for sports clubs to function by enacting sports policies that allow importation of requisite sports equipment, legal framework for registration of sports clubs as well as governance framework for the necessary checks and balances to protect the beneficiaries and benefactors of the sports clubs.

“This government support should not be undervalued as it plays a pivotal role in the ultimate output of the sports products. It’s important for all stakeholders in the sports sector to understand fully and appreciate the role that governments play in order to avoid the numerous acrimonious tendencies that exist when government plays its role.

“Cases of national associations begging for cover from their international federations threatening suspension and expulsion should cease to exist. Instead national sports associations should live in harmony with governments, fully understanding that it’s government that ultimately is answerable to its citizenry if its people do not derive satisfaction in sport,” he said.

The minister also challenged governments to be clear about their responsibility in growing, developing and nurturing the sports industry.

“The sports industry has become arguably the new source of world economic growth. It has evidently become increasingly important in such aspects as enlarging domestic demands, offering employment positions, building and enhancing countries’ images, uniting nations and promoting peace, tolerance and solidarity,” said Minister Langa.

He said governments are responsible for striking a fine balance between growing and developing the sports industry and satisfying popular social needs and ensuring the sports industry has a healthy and sustainable development.