South African Golf Association Annual Report & implementation of the Transformation Charter; with Minister and Deputy Minister

Meeting report

In the absence of the Chairperson, Ms R Adams (ANC) was elected Acting Chairperson.

Mr Zizi Kodwa, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, informed the Committee that Ms Nocawe Mafu, the Deputy Minister, was present in the meeting.

Ms Sumayya Khan, Deputy Director-General: Recreation and Sports Development, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), introduced the DSAC delegates to the Committee.

Mr Grant Hepburn, Chief Executive Officer CEO, GolfRSA, informed the Committee who was present from the organisation.

DSAC briefing on Golf RSA

Ms Khan took the Committee through the Department's presentation, which detailed the support provided to GolfRSA in the 2020/21 and 2022/23 financial years, highlighting major events hosted and governance-related matters. The financial support to GolfRSA for the 2020/21 financial year was R2 734 754, of which R1 734 752 was allocated towards administration, and R1m for projects and programmes. The programmes supported were women’s golf, disabled golf, capacity development programmes such as web-based training, assistance to disabled golf to manage and run their provincial programmes, assistance to previously disadvantaged individuals to receive coaching, play tournaments, nutrition at tournaments, travel and accommodation.

The federation had submitted all the required quarterly reports. In the current financial year, golf had been allocated an amount of R2 250 000. Of this amount, there was no application towards administration, and the full allocation would go towards supporting athletes in the national development teams -- geared towards fast-tracking transformation in the sport -- participation in international competitions, the 'first swing' programme (introduction to golf), and the implementation of golf for people with disabilities programme.

The major events hosted included school golf, which included both girls and boys in the same tournament; hosting under-19 age tournaments for both girls and boys in the same tournament; the hosting of various inter-provincial tournaments; hosting the under-19 inter-provincial tournament; hosting the African golf amateur championship; national championships, and the women's golf tournament. Due to the nature of golf and the large tracts of land required to establish golf courses, GolfRSA and its development partner, the South African Golf Development Board, made equipment available to those players proficient enough to participate in tournaments. Furthermore, equipment, golf balls, gloves, shoes, and clothing were supplied to participants at grass-root level programmes.

School sports programmes included hosting golf tournaments at all age groups up to under 19; the South African under-15 championships; the Ernie Els Primary schools championships; and the South African high schools championships. Through the development partner, the South African Golf Development Board, the programmes had reached approximately 2 600 participants in all provinces in the country. Participants were coached by accredited coaches daily. Access to formalised golf through club membership was arranged for participants with higher proficiency.

See attached for full presentation

South African Golf Association's annual report and progress with implementation of the Transformation Charter

Mr Hepburn said GolfRSA was the recognised governing body of golf in the country. It was a unified body of the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and Women's Golf South Africa. It was administering, operating and providing services to amateur golf in South Africa. It was also looking after the interests of more than 460 golf clubs and 139 000 men, women, boys and girls club members, producing champion golfers and providing the opportunity for everyone in South Africa to experience the game of golf.

GolfRSA’s responsibilities were to grow the game across all communities in South Africa; to work across the full spectrum of golf development in South Africa; provide support services to member clubs and maintain a uniform system of handicapping; administer and apply the rules of golf; provide championships and competitions for all ages and abilities at some of the most prestigious courses in the country; and to identify and develop the country’s most talented amateur golfers, with the very top players joining the elite national squads for specialised training and playing opportunities.

Sunshine Tour

The Sunshine Tour was comprised of a major men’s tour with a full playing schedule and co-sanctioned tournaments with the European Challenge Tour and the DP World Tour; an international series of tournaments within Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands; development tours; women's tours; a development squad, and more. The development squad consisted of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, which was made up of 51 professional golfers who support a number of holistic components, like covering entry and membership fees, and access to a number of coaches.

South African Development Board

The South African Development Board fell under the auspices of GolfRSA, and had been operating for 22 years. It had 20 staff (managers and coaches), mostly from poor communities, and many were disabled. It had 23 projects around South Africa, and over 800 disabled children in the programme. The programmes consisted of playing golf, as well as feeding schemes. There was an average of 50 programmes a week.

Professional Golfers Association of South Africa

The PGA consisted of 695 full members and 99 registered apprentices. A three-year diploma qualification was registered with the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Professionals were employed in every facet of the golf industry.

Club Management Association of South Africa

This was the representative body for the recreation and sports club sector in South Africa. The membership consisted of 145 clubs across South Africa, of which 135 were golf clubs. It focused on the development of club employees.

Nedbank Golf Challenge

Mr Thomas Abt, Commissioner, Sunshine Tour, said the Nedbank golf challenge was only a Dubai Port World (DP World) tour event. It was an event that was run by the European International Golfing Body. They bring their players to the country and play here on the Sunshine Tour for four days. The Sunshine Tour did not sanction the event, but partners with them on the event. The logistics, the event and finances were all run by the DP World Tour. They attract various sponsors in the country to the event. Other golf tournaments in the country were officially sanctioned with the DP World Tour, such as the Joburg Open.

(See presentation attached for further information)

Discussion

Mr T Mhlongo (DA) noted that golf was one of the top six sports being supported. It was one of the most popular sports in South Africa. If golf was part of the top six, why did it not transform? More people from different communities, especially rural areas, were needed. Was GolfRSA aware of foot golf? Was it facilitating foot golf, or was this being done by some other sporting federation? Some people wanted to start foot golf, especially in Soweto. This foot golf should be introduced in different communities.

The budget was only around R2.2m for the development of the sport. He suggested that the budget be increased, because it could not achieve any transformation for women’s golf or the disability golf programme. It could not expect more results if the funding was less. When the budget review and recommendations reports (BRRRs) were debated, the issue of increasing the budget should be addressed.

How accessible were public golf facilities around the country? There was only one golf facility in Soweto that was called the Soweto Golf Club in Pimville. How many golf facilities were there in South Africa? How much did it cost to establish one golf facility? It had been established in the Indaba resolutions that fiscal training must be part of a compulsory subject. How did the DSAC, SAGA and other entities promote golf and social cohesion to enhance economic development, especially in disadvantaged communities like Soweto? What was the status of golf in the different schools in South Africa? At a school level, were they under GolfRSA? For instance, how many schools in Johannesburg were part of GolfRSA?

Mr M Zondi (ANC) asked how the DSAC and the Minister would ensure that the school sports programme that had recently been launched would reach and assist township schools to join golf clubs. He said that assistance meant awareness. How would it ensure a balance between the transformation and infrastructure programme to accommodate previously disadvantaged areas, such as black townships? He knew it would be very difficult in terms of affordability and long-term plans. Golf was played by all ages. How was the DSAC going to assist the participants from previously disadvantaged communities to shift the elite to be more accommodating to everyone?

He appreciated the fact that 40% of the budget was spent on the previously disadvantaged. However, based on the financial statement of SAGA, how could the surplus be used to assist participants outside of the clubs? Women in sports were part of the previously disadvantaged, and had only recently been accommodated in soccer and netball internationally. How would women be accommodated in Africa? What plans were in place to develop women's participation?

Mr E Mthethwa (EFF) acknowledged that DSAC was very organised. Most of the associations and federations were structured in terms of the value chain. There were lessons that the creative and agricultural sectors could learn from. He said that most of the focus was on transforming the targeted stakeholders. How many black people were in GolfRSA’s management? How many women were in top management and leadership? How many people with disabilities were in management and leadership? If there were none, what was the reason?

There was a continued narrative and picture that most black people were needy recipients who needed help from white people. When one talked about Africa and its challenges, a picture was always drawn of a black woman standing with a black girl, and a fly on her cheek. However, when one talked about health, a white woman reached out her hand. This narrative seemed to continuously subject black people to being considered a charitable case. When the presentations were made and good things were mentioned, the picture was that of a white person, but when it talked about the needy and previously disadvantaged, there was a picture of black children. Some white children were also disadvantaged.

There was a constant focus towards Western-inspired sporting games, and even music, as opposed to indigenous games. There were games like Morabaraba, that people grew up playing. Transformation and social cohesion could not happen separately. Social cohesion requires cultural exchange programmes. White people must learn these indigenous things, in the same way that everyone was learning Western sports and music.

The Acting Chairperson said that Members should go straight to questions, and not dwell around. There was still another meeting, and Members would have to take the buses to Parliament.

Mr D Joseph (DA) thanked the DSAC and the SAGA for the presentation. He was a golfer, was part of the parliamentary golf club, and understood the industry. His experience of golf was that it was open to charity and allowed non-government organisations (NGOs) to use golf as a source of income or funding to support charities. He commended the golf clubs across the country for that openness and opportunities for NGOs to raise money through golf. He pointed out the cultural observatory research that was now open to sports. If golf was asked to present the input and its contribution to South Africa's economy, one would be surprised at the impact of the Nedbank tournaments, the Sunshine golf tour, and all the tourists who came to play in South Africa. There were so many golf courses and the sport was growing. What was the actual membership of all these golf clubs?

He asked for information on the development of women, transformation in general and the under-19 tournaments. The DSAC contributed a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that sport continued. It was important to keep pushing ahead during difficult times. He said that as a golfer, the infrastructure really interested him. When a person booked to play, the waiting period might be two weeks. If membership was growing, there would be an infrastructure challenge. The country already had a challenge with land for housing and development. Many years ago, golf was seen as a privileged sport. Many municipalities and governments had provided land for golf, but that had changed. He asked how the sport could grow if there was no infrastructure.

He pointed out that golf was not cheap, but said that golf could also open facilities to other departments, like it did for schools and NGOs. He suggested open days for people who wanted to play golf. He noted that there was no request for the 2021/22 financial year, and that all the money was going towards projects like capacity development. How did one spend money on the entity's mandate, not so much on the people who manage the entity? This was the problem in government. Most of the money went towards the staff, administration and the boards. Here was a classic example of how the voluntary contributions that golfers were making through the structures enabled them to grow the sport and for people to play it. How did the leadership manage to get partnerships with private funders or private organisations? What was their relationship, and how would they have less dependency on government?

Ms V Malomane (ANC) asked about the challenges in townships and rural schools. There were now usually children playing netball and football in the streets. In January, when schools open, it was time for athletics and rugby. However, when it came to golf, nothing was happening. Were there any summer or winter sports championships? She said that this could help expose golf to those schools. The DSAC could partner with the Department of Basic Education and SAGA. Why could the DSAC not identify schools that could specialise in golf as an extramural activity, and support them accordingly? How could the DSAC ensure that the Papwa Sewgolum Class programme was supported, and that the country grew the sport of golf? How accessible were public golf facilities around the country? What were the costs involved? How did the federation ensure that the sport was accessible to those without the financial means?

Ms V van Dyk (DA) said that it seemed that golf on its own was doing a great job in creating opportunities as far as possible, despite national sports federations being grossly underfunded and despite having the full responsibility to ensure transformation in sport. How would the DSAC review its funding model to national federations? Did SAGA work with schools to ensure that the sport was accessible at foundation level? If so, in which provinces were these schools? Were there any township schools that had been adopted in order to expose the sport in historically disadvantaged areas. What was the possibility of township schools' participation in events like primary school championships? What were the reasons for the SAGA not receiving any funding in the 2021/22 financial year? What were the compliance issues that had led to the non-funding? How did the federation monitor transformation, access and inclusivity in sport?

Mr B Mamabolo (ANC) said that it was true that when people from villages or townships wanted to go to a golf course, they would have to take two to three taxis to get there. Initiatives must continue to grow and be supported. The DSAC must ensure that this gets through to the communities for them to participate in golf. There must be access to golf in the same manner that there was access to soccer and netball. There must be preference given to improving access in black communities. He knew that it would not happen overnight and it would not be easy. He referred to rugby, saying that in the long run, one had to ensure that rugby and cricket were taken to the people. He also appreciated the mention of grants to people with disabilities. Those were very good initiatives.

Ms D Sibiya (ANC) asked why the eminent persons group transformation committee had not audited the federation. How did the federation monitor transformation access and inclusivity in that sport? Were there any township schools that have been adapted to explore the sports in those disadvantaged areas?

The Acting Chairperson said that the presentation from SAGA had differed from the one the Committee had received. Nevertheless, there were questions about what had been presented. It was good that the federation had submitted quarterly reports. She was pleased to hear that women and people with disabilities had been accommodated. When was it planning to open programmes on golf to schools? There were 450 golf clubs -- was this across all nine provinces? It had been stated that only two people with disabilities had registered, but there were over 800 children with disabilities in the programme -- was not all of them registered? How would golf be prioritised in schools? It would be important to incorporate or include school sports in programmes. How did SAGA identify previously disadvantaged individuals? How many of these previously disadvantaged children, especially girls, had earned national colours? If the number was low, why? What was the cost breakdown that had been allocated to this particular programme?

DSAC's response

Minister Kodwa thanked the Committee for the constructive comments and suggestions. He had been speaking to two officials, and there should be an urgent meeting with SAGA (GolfRSA), especially against the backdrop of the National School Sport Indaba. There should be a discussion on some of the recommendations that had come out of the Indaba. There had been issues raised about access and participation which were very important. The DSAC would ensure that such a meeting took place.

The DSAC was not only considering reviewing the current funding model for the different federations and sporting codes, but also a funding model for all the other projects across the portfolio of the DSAC, whether it was arts or culture. Certain things had to be aligned with the current imperatives, and issues such as funding shortcomings and fiscus constraints.

A concern had been raised about spending money on Western-inspired sports codes, but indigenous games were introduced in 2001. All nine provinces had full programmes of indigenous games. Some festivals were held annually. It was making a major contribution to Heritage Month. The festival would be held in KwaZulu-Natal from 24 to 29 September to coincide with Heritage Month. He extended an invitation to Mr Mthethwa to attend those annual indigenous games. There were games such as Morabaraba and Intonga. A lot had been done around indigenous games, although there had not been much activity during and post-COVID-19. This was the first one since the pandemic. He appreciated the contribution of the Members. He reiterated that there would be a meeting with SAGA to discuss issues such as access and participation.

Ms Khan said that as a department within its community support unit, in addition to the funding it provides to SAGA (GolfRSA), there was an initiative called the Andrew Mlangeni Golf Development Chapter. There used to be one event in one province, but there are now events in all nine provinces. The DSAC worked very closely with the Golf Development Board and with the Andrew Mlangeni Foundation to deliver on this. There were 2 600 participants on a weekly basis, such as young development golfers who were assisted by accredited coaches.

There were 16 priority sports codes. The DSAC identified them mostly in terms of access to facilities and what could take place at school level. Golf was not one of those school sports.

She said the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) had identified 19 pools of sport. There were almost 76 recognised sports federations in the country through the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the DSAC. They were busy finalising and refining these 19 groups. The idea was to increase the number of codes, as part of the EPG. The Minister would speak about the transformation charter and the EPG soon. There had been an attempt to include other sporting codes.

The DSAC had been working with the Golf Development Board about accessibility to public golf courses. A steady stream of previously disadvantaged and development golfers came through the ranks and translated to the high performance arena. This was where one would see the Papwa Sewgolum Class programme. There was accredited training through CATHSSETA. There was training for coaches, technical officials and administrators. Golf had accredited training.

There was a very big following in recreational foot golf. Foot golf had reached out to the DSAC, and the Department had advised them to go for recognition of the sports body's regulations. It was currently waiting for the completion and compliance of the submission. It was already very active in many townships and participating in some of the events. This was done, although it was not a recognised sport as yet.

Mr Simphiwe Mncube, Chief Director: Federation Support, DSAC, said that most of the questions had been responded to, except one relating to the funding of the 2021/22 financial year. At the time of completing the transfers, some documents were still outstanding. It had to ensure that all the documents met the compliance requirements before a transfer could be made.

GolfRSA's response

Mr Hepburn said GolfRSA was aware of foot golf. Two entities were running foot golf in the country. It would take guidance from the DSAC on how to engage with them, but there had been some discussions with the entities.

There were 4 600 children registered at golf clubs around the country. There were 2 500 children registered with the South African Golf Development Board, which made up one-third of the children. Of the 2 500, there were about 500 children that had memberships which were bought and paid for by GolfRSA. There was a process involved for this to happen. The child needed to get to a level of being able to participate, which could take a while, because it involved a lot of practice and coaching. The nature of the game was quite difficult, but once a child was able to hold their own on a golf course, they were given membership so that they could participate in tournaments.

There were a large number of golf facilities -- whether they were nine or 18-hole golf courses or practice facilities -- that were open to all. A small number of golf courses were specific to membership access and were very expensive, with conditions attached. However, about 95% of golf facilities were completely accessible.

By nature, golf was relatively more expensive than other sports. He said that every golf club was like going to a restaurant -- some restaurants were more expensive than others. The same applies to golf clubs or facilities. If one was a keen golfer, there might be a facility -- whether it was a nine or 18-hole golf course or practice facility -- where the public was welcomed with open arms. There were price ranges from very affordable to very expensive. That was the nature of the game.

He said that most of the participants that were in the Golf Development Board and disabled golf programmes were outside of the clubs, and came from schools. These participants became club members only once they reached a certain level of development. There was a large portion of these participants who were outside of the clubs. GolfRSA dealt not only with players who were at the golf clubs, but also actively went to schools and searched for youngsters to attract them to the game and develop them to a level so that they could participate and become club members. Sometimes golf clubs donated free membership, but the federation tried to purchase the membership when golf clubs were struggling.

It would be an amazing advantage if golf was recognised as one of the official school sports. The biggest challenge was that when GolfRSA approached schools, whether it was in the townships or rural areas, it was very difficult for schools to agree to participate. This was because golf was not recognised, and it often took a golfer within the school to recognise the value of the game. Once the programmes in a school start, the schools often welcome golf with open arms because of the nature, integrity and rules of the game, and the fact that it exposes the youngsters to people from all works of life and invariably helps with education and attendance at school. Teachers and headmasters enjoyed the programmes at the schools. It was not always easy to open the doors to golf in schools, but it was normally very successful once the doors opened. He welcomed a further discussion with the Minister and DSAC on how golf could officially be recognised as a school sport, because it would be very beneficial.

He welcomed the comments by Mr Joseph on the charity aspect. He had indeed been correct to say that golf lent itself to being able to raise money for all sorts of charities through golf days at various golf clubs around the country. These golf days also helped the clubs themselves. The club survived on peoples' feet through the door, and paying to play golf. GolfRSA estimated that between 450 000 and 500 000 people play golf in the country, whether they play golf twice a year or twice a week. GolfRSA got these estimates by talking to golf clubs and retailers and equipment manufacturers around the country.

He said the most interesting thing that Mr Joseph had brought up was the relationship between what was being spent on administration, as opposed to operations. Golf was fortunate enough to spend only 16% of its funding on administration, and 84% on operations. The funding from the DSAC was very important, and was a bonus on top of what the federation already had to be able to run the basics of golf through the funding of sponsors. It was very beneficial when GolfRSA received money from the DSAC, because it put it in a position to say that GolfRSA, the Golf Development Board and disabled golf were able to spend pretty much all of that money directly on operations, benefiting youngsters and people in the game that needed support.

There was 50% representation of black people and women on the board of GolfRSA. These were completely voluntary positions -- people had to put up their hands and make themselves available. GolfRSA was grateful to all those people who were in those positions. He said 80% of the paid staff structures were black, women or previously disadvantaged individuals. The organisation had transformed, and it was a continuous process to continue down the road of transformation. Transformation was measured in all nine provinces. There were 14 golf unions which had committees that monitored transformation. They monitor the number of youngsters allowed access to clubs; how many schools were involved in the projects in the different regions; how many youngsters were selected in the junior teams coming from the ranks, all the way to the national level.

There could be more people of colour in national teams, but there was an interesting scenario in golf in the country. Once a player became good enough to play in provincial teams, especially amongst the previously disadvantaged individuals, GolfRSA would lose them to the professional ranks. There were close to 100 men and women players that had turned professional. It was a paradox that the more successful they were, the fewer players progressed to the national teams because they moved into the professional ranks.

He said that GolfRSA was very happy to be part of the Andrew Mlangeni Foundation. Seven to eight years ago, the DSAC approached him for a meeting, and asked GolfRSA to manage the funding and operations of the Andrew Mlangeni Foundation. It had been an amazing project, and GolfRSA was proud to have managed it. It was an ongoing project that had started with 100 children, and thousands of children were on the programme. There was an annual tournament in every single province. There was ongoing coaching for the children throughout the year, not just once a month. These projects were very significant in terms of producing players of colour for provincial, national and professional teams. South Africa was fortunate as a nation that it punches above its weight on the world stage. This was something that was historical. He said the exact number of representation in some big tournaments was readily available and could be distributed to the Committee.

Follow-up discussion

Mr Mthethwa said he wanted to address the Member responding to him instead of asking questions. The EFF was not a sub-political party. The EFF did not take instructions from any party, nor anyone. He said his specific question about top management positions had not been answered.

Mr Joseph thanked the DSAC and SAGA for responding to the questions. He said there had been many golf heroes over the years. There were always spectators in international games, but this was not the case with golf. There were always spectators for a game of soccer, rugby or tennis. Most of the time, there were no spectators for golf- only the players on the course. The golf heroes needed more coverage. He suggested that there be an investment in television coverage so that the country could see what was happening with golf, and what the Committee was discussing now.

He asked for more clarity on the funding and the approaches to the programmes receiving funding from other government entities and departments.

He said that one did not just wake up one morning and decide to play golf. Golf was developed through interest and wanting to practice. Golf must be linked to social facilities where the family could come together. The children could be listening to music and playing, and the women and men could play some golf. This would help with the growth of golf as a sport. He said that land was needed for the development of golf, not just as a sport, but as a venue for social interaction for all families to come and be part of the golfing family.

Mr Mhlongo said he wanted to challenge the Minister in a sense, as he thought that the EPG was not working. There could not be a system where targets were being set, but were not being achieved. It showed that the EPG was not working. The sporting codes had set targets, and they did not achieve their targets for transformation. He suggested that there should be another mechanism to measure transformation, because the EPG process was not working. He just wanted to put this to the Minister, if he was still on the platform. Transformation could not be attained in the manner in which things were being done now.

Ms Bongi Mokaba, Director: Event Management, City of Johannesburg, said that she worked for the City and was a promoter of the Joburg Open, one of the few co-sanctioned international golf tournaments in the country. She served on the Sunshine Tour Transformation Board, and that was the reason she had been invited to this meeting. She expressed her apologies for attending the meeting late due to connectivity issues.

She said that the Soweto Country/Golf Club was not privately owned. It was a facility that the City of Johannesburg owned. The golf course was located on two pieces of land adjacent to each other. There had been a dispute on the side where the clubhouse was situated, but there was no problem where the golf course was. The City of Johannesburg was managing the dispute.

She said that the City of Johannesburg was one of the few remaining municipalities that had raised its hand to support international golf tournaments, and looked at how golf contributed to the country's economy. This included tourism and employment opportunities. The Joburg Open had been running for the last 16 years, and it would be 17 years in November 2023. The tournament included local and international players. It also made provision for players who came from the Papwa Sewgolum Class to have a fair opportunity to participate in the tournament.

The Acting Chairperson asked Mr Mhlongo if he had a follow-up question.

Mr Mhlongo said he did.

The Acting Chairperson asked him not to debate on the issue. If he did, she would stop him immediately.

Mr Mhlongo said that if he could not debate, then it was fine. He just wanted to raise the issue of a petition to Parliament. He was aware that Ms Mokaba had said that the Soweto Country/Golf Club was not privately owned, but there were disputes that it was.

The Acting Chairperson invited Minister Kodwa to add any comments, but he responded that he did not want to add anything because the meeting had been very constructive and fruitful.

Deputy Minister Mafu said that most of the issues raised would be taken up in the meeting that the Minister had suggested with the federation. She said that very constructive issues have been raised in this meeting, and would be discussed further.

Mr Mhlongo said that his question on the EPG system had not been answered. Some sporting codes gave themselves targets and then did not achieve them. How could this be measured? The current mechanism or parameters being used, was not working, so transformation could not be achieved. 

Deputy Minister Mafu said that the DSAC had noted what Mr Mhlongo had said. She did not think he would want them to respond to the issue here and now. She thought that he wanted DSAC to note his statement and reflect on it. The DSAC would reflect on it and come back.

Mr Mthethwa said his question on top management representing black people, women and people with disabilities, had not been answered.

Mr Hepburn said top management positions for previously disadvantaged individuals and women were between 65% and 67%.

The Acting Chairperson thanked Mr Hepburn for his responses. If there were any more questions, Members should address them in writing to the SAGA. She thanked the federation for attending this meeting and responding clearly to the questions raised. Attention should be given to the Transformation Charter and ensuring that golf becomes a school sport. Members had spoken highly about the Sports School Indaba. She hoped that the SAGA would continue developing children, women and men in South Africa, to assist them in participating in international games.

She thanked Minister Kodwa and Deputy Minister Mafu for attending the meeting, despite their busy schedule.

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on its consideration of the 2022/23 Fourth Quarter Financial and Non-Financial Performance of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

 Ms Fiona Clayton, Committee Researcher, presented the report on the Committee’s consideration of the 2022/23 fourth quarter financial and non-financial performance of the DSAC. She said this was a draft report as part of the budget review and recommendations report (BRRR) process to ensure that the Committee maintained oversight over the executive. She provided an overview of the report.

The Acting Chairperson asked if the Members had any questions.

Mr Mhlongo commended Ms Clayton for helping the Committee. He suggested that there should be an addition -- that the EPG system must be reviewed, and a new system was needed to ensure transformation. The current system was not working. He asked if this could be added to the report.

Ms Clayton said that this was the Committee’s report, and it could be added to the report.

The Acting Chairperson asked if the Committee could move towards adopting the report.

Mr Mhlongo said the DA reserved their rights on the report for now.

Ms Malomane said that she accepted the report, without the addition proposed by Mr Mhlongo. The addition he made was something that had been discussed in today’s meeting. The DSAC must still provide the Committee with more details on the current EPG system. She reiterated that she supported the report without the addition.

Mr Zondi said it seemed the Members did not want to support or adopt the report with the amendment. He agreed with Ms Malomane.

Ms Sibiya also agreed.

Mr Mthethwa said that he had been covered by the Members, and agreed to the report without the addition. The Committee could not add something to the report that had been discussed today.

Mr Mhlongo said he thought he must workshop the Members, as they were missing the point. This was the Committee’s report, and Members were allowed to add or remove. For the past quarter, the EPG system had not worked. It was still not working. Hence, a new system was needed to ensure that there was transformation. He was allowed to say that he reserved his rights. This meant that when the report went to Parliament, he would support or not support the report. He was not representing himself, but his political party.

The Acting Chairperson said that the other Members also represented their political parties. She would stop the meeting here, because there now seemed to be a debate. Adoption of the report has been proposed and seconded. The researcher was also asked if additions could be made to the report. There was a mover and a seconder for the report.

Ms Malomane raised a point of order. She said the report had been adopted as it was presented, without the addition. The report was not supported with the addition. Nobody had said that the report was supported with the addition. The meeting should be closed, with the fact that the report had been adopted and there was an addition which had been rejected.

Ms Sibiya said this was not a workshop. The Members were not being workshopped. This could not happen.

Ms Van Dyk said that she supported Mr Mhlongo, as he had the right to make an addition. It could not be that a Member of this Committee was not allowed to express their opinion.

Mr Mhlongo said it seemed as if Members thought there was no right to comment on the report. This was a report that was not for today’s meeting.

Ms Malomane called for a point of order. She was aware that additions could be made. However, if certain additions were not supported, that was how it was. There could be corrections and additions, because this was the Committee’s report. Members could not be workshopped. She supported the report without the addition.

Mr Mhlongo said he had still been speaking before the point of order was made. He asked what the point of order was, and whether he could continue speaking. He had a right to contribute to the report. He suggested that the report include that he, and not the Committee, had said that the EPG system must be reviewed. He had indeed raised an issue regarding the EPG system -- that the EPG system had been here for ten years, and it was not working. His addition was that the EPG system must be reviewed.

Mr Mthethwa said that the EFF reserved their rights as well.

Mr Zondi said that it was not right that Members were being workshopped. Members could not be undermined like this.

Mr Mhlongo said that he was not saying that he was supporting or rejecting the report. “I reserve my right” meant that he did not know whether he supported the report or not. The report must still go to the party caucus. He was not rejecting the report and was not trying to workshop the Members.

Ms Sibiya said that if there were corrections made, it would be supported. However, Mr Mhlongo had not made a correction.

Mr Mhlongo said that Ms Sibiya had also not made a correction.

The Acting Chairperson asked Mr Mhlongo to stop speaking. The Committee had spoken and debated on the issue. The reserving of rights by the DA and EFF had been noted. There had been a mover and seconder for the report, so it was adopted.

The meeting was adjourned.