Chair, the Ellis Park soccer disaster of 2001 and the subsequent findings and recommendations of the commission of inquiry into the disaster have necessitated the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Bill.
Controlling bodies of all sports and recreational events, organisers, stadium and venue owners and managers will be required in terms of this Bill to place the broader interests of the public above their own by promoting spectator-friendly, safe and secure sports and recreational events. Safeguarding the interests of South Africa as a destination for the hosting of major international sports and recreational events is also a priority. The ACDP will support this Bill.
Premier Soccer League prosecutor, Zola Majavu, however, has referred to the new Bill as impractical and unlikely to get off the ground as it is impossible, he says, to give a schedule of matches six months ahead of the time; and the police commissioner can pull the plug on games if event organisers or clubs don't comply. He also raised concerns that the venue safety certificate could disqualify many clubs and cause ticket prices to rise in order to cover increased security.
Paramedic and private ambulance companies have expressed concerns that reference to a requirement for medics at every sporting event does not specify what level of medic. When called out to minister to injuries at sporting events, especially those at schools, they often find the event has been covered by a first-aid trainee trained by the organisers with inadequate experience and equipment.
Lastly, the ACDP would like to draw attention to the need for increased numbers of well-trained traffic police, particularly throughout the World Cup to ensure safer road use. Our record of road accidents is cause for concern and, therefore, likely to be as great a danger to fans and players as any potential stadium crime. Thank you.