Calls for improved sports budget
MBABANE – As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Budget Speech by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, sports associations have in unison called for an increased share to support sports development and international participation.
Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maxwell Jele highlighted the need for increased financial support to facilitate the selection and participation of Eswatini teams in multi-sport international events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, African Games, and Regional Games.
While acknowledging the existing financial assistance provided by the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council, Jele expressed the association’s hope for an increased allocation towards international sports participation.
Eswatini National Darts Association (ENDA) President Phumlani ‘Kofi’ Ndwandwe stressed the importance of directing funds towards schools to enhance sports development.
Ndwandwe saw the need for more sports centres to ensure mass participation and lower the cost barriers to entry into sports. Additionally, he expressed the association’s anticipation for the passing of the Sports Bill to further raise funding for sports.
Eswatini Cue Sports Association (ECSA) President Muntu Dlamini underlined the significance of an improved sports budget to support youth development and international participation in cue sports. Dlamini emphasised the association’s focus on youth development and the potential positive impact of an increased budget allocation.
Eswatini Swimming Association’s (ESA) Meluleki Simelane highlighted the need for investments in infrastructure, such as pools and aquatic facilities, and increased funding for programmes promoting swimming and water safety. Simelane emphasised the potential positive impact of these investments on the association’s growth and development, as well as increasing access to swimming for all.
Importance
Athletics Eswatini (AE) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Victor ‘Mavikana’ Dlamini, echoed the sentiments of the other associations, emphasising the importance of an improved budget and the passing of the Sports Bill to elevate sports to an industry. Dlamini also highlighted the lack of facilities in certain regions and the need for an improved budget to support athletes’ participation in international competitions, particularly in this year’s Olympic Games.
The collective voice of these sports associations underscores the critical need for increased financial support to drive sports development, facilitate international participation and create opportunities for athletes across various sporting disciplines. As the Budget Speech approaches, the sports community eagerly awaits the outcome, hoping for a positive impact on the future of sports in Eswatini.