Study Finds Shortcomings in KZN Department of Sports and Recreation

BY: .

The government’s Department of Sports and Recreation (DSR) has failed to appropriately implement its policies in KwaZulu-Natal, a Masters in Sports Science thesis has concluded.

The study by Mr Siyabulela Mkwalo was titled:  “The Role of the Department of Sports and Recreation in the Provision and Delivery of Sports and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal”.

Mkwalo, who graduated with his Masters in Sport Science degree from UKZN’s College of Health Sciences, assessed the effectiveness of the DSR with regard to its provision and delivery of sports and recreation services in the province.

The study identified the extent to which the department had implemented its policies regarding the effective provision and delivery of sports and recreation to communities across KwaZulu-Natal.  It also looked at the possible role played by the department in ensuring transformation in sports and recreation.

The research evaluated Departmental policies with respect to strategies implemented that had affected a number of issues including women’s participation at all levels, access to facilities by all communities, funding models used to support various structures,  partnerships with stakeholders in the delivery of services  and inclusion of people with disabilities on sports and recreation programmes.

Mkwalo used a questionnaire to collect data from institutions that delivered sports and recreation in the province ie, the Department, federations, South African Student Sport Union (SASSU) and South African Student Sport Union United Schools Sport Association of South (USASSA).

The study concluded that, service delivery by providing administrative support to stakeholders; supporting transformation through sustainable development programmes; developing sports facilities and reviving active community participation in sports and recreation were affected by the Department’s failure to appropriately implement its policies.

‘A large proportion of opportunities and efforts to improve the quality of life of citizens still favours urban communities over those based in rural areas,’ Mkwalo said. 

Mkwalo, who is currently reading for his PhD at UKZN, works for the KwaZulu-Natal Academy of Sport and is the President of the KwaZulu-Natal Olympics Style Boxing Organisation.

He enjoys spending time with his family, participating in any recreational activity and reading different kinds of books.

Mkwalo says he was inspired by his Manager at work, who always encouraged him to study and supported all his initiatives.

Married with three daughters, Mkwalo said his family was very happy about his achievement.

The South African National Boxing Organisation appointed Mkwalo to manage the National Boxing Youth Team attending the AIBA World Youth Boxing Championships at Sofia in Bulgaria from 10 - 25 April. Mkwalo left for Bulgeria immediately after his Graduation.

- Nombuso Dlamini