This week began with much concern that most of the country would be unable
to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup on SABC channels.
This followed an impasse in negotiations between SABC and MultiChoice on
broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
On Monday, I had a discussion with the Minister of Communications and Digital
Technologies, and met with senior executives of the SABC, urging the public
broadcaster to find a solution to this impasse with MultiChoice.
I had made it clear that my interest in this matter was for all South Africans to
have access to sport of national interest. I had also made clear the need to
find a permanent solution to this matter, as this goes beyond rugby. All South
Africans need to be able to watch our sports teams performing on
international platforms.
Yesterday’s developments, where MultiChoice agreed to sub-license
broadcast rights to the SABC for the 2023 Rugby World Cup means that millions
of South Africans will be able to watch this global showpiece, and to see the
Springboks go on to defend their world title.
I reiterate my call for a permanent solution to be found, as we cannot find
ourselves in this situation before major sporting events.
Message to the Springboks
The 2023 Rugby World Cup begins today. The Springboks, the defending
champions, play their first game on Sunday against Scotland.
The Springboks represent the best of South Africa. They inspire national unity,
and Foster social cohesion and national identity. This was captured by
President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the
Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity.
The current Springboks represent this country’s diversity, and represent South
African excellence with their performances.
On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the
World Cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!
School Sport Indaba
On Thursday and Friday next week, 14 and 15 September, the Department of
Sport, Arts and Culture will host a School Sports Indaba.
The aim of this Indaba is to establish a national sports programme for South
Africa, that is benchmarked against the world’s most effective school sports
programmes.
One of the priorities of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is grassroots
sports development. The School Sports Indaba will go a long way towards
strengthening our focus grassroots sports development through early
identification and nurturing of sporting talent.
The Sports Indaba will see over 30 organisations, as well as teacher unions,
sports federations, international bodies and governments gather to exchange
and come up with a blueprint for South African schools sport. I look forward to
welcoming you to this important endeavour.
