Hon Chairperson, one of the rallying calls during the struggle for the liberation of our people and country was for a nonracial sporting environment. It was an essential part of the struggle for our freedom. Madiba wrote in 1994 that sport serves to bring communities together.

Sport is a very powerful career opportunity, and a society that shows a preference for a particular class or gender is hampering the development of sports. This has no potentially positive benefits, as it will not contribute to a fair and equal opportunity for all. Once this is accomplished, it will then contribute to our country and nation-building.

Hon Minister, your aggressive campaign, which ensures that sports equipment, infrastructure and amenities become a reality for every ward, is very gratifying. It will certainly advance the growth and development of sport in our country. Operation Sukuma Sakhe is the correct approach. The department is represented and yes, indeed, it will also constitute sports organisations, which will be represented and add value and impetus.

Hon Minister, the strong support that you give to major events is pushing sport forward in our country. Of course, KwaZulu-Natal must be commended, top gear, for their organisational abilities.

The DA should not run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. The Western Cape was developed a long time ago. Hon Rabotapi, in a soccer match dribbling is not important; what is important is the scoring of the goal. [Applause.]

Hon Minister, as you march forward to build a strong, vibrant sporting rainbow nation, remember there are no poor soldiers under a good general; there are no weak troops under a good commander; and there are no bad sports administrators under the watchful eye of a good Minister. Regardless of the challenges, we laud your efforts. [Applause.]

For as long as participation in sport is dominated by one particular race, people will be prejudiced. Our country has had a brain drain - let us not have a sports drain. Whilst we have come a long way since 1994, sport is still lacking in schools. Physical education has to be part and parcel of the school curriculum. Martial arts, which instill discipline, were introduced as a subject in Japan. Discipline is scarce in black communities, so this could benefit the youth tremendously.

The former leader of the MF said: "No child should be deprived of his or her talent based on poverty." Let us continue to advance sport in our country - flying under one flag and one banner, and proudly South African - and build a strong sporting rainbow nation.

The MF will support the Budget Vote. [Time expired.]