$53.5m budget for Sport Ministry

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Government has undertaken to support various national teams as well as infrastructural development after realisation that sport benefits the country through health dividend as well as employment creation.

The was said by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube in his presentation of the 2019 national budget yesterday that saw an allocation of $53.5 million to the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation headed by swimming icon Kirsty Coventry.

“Inclusivity is further going to be enhanced through refocusing ourselves to the area of sports, arts and recreation, which is a strong tool for supporting our citizens whether youths, women and the elderly.

Sport also benefits the country through the health dividend as well as employment creation.

“Accordingly the 2019 budget proposes an allocation of $53.5 million for the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, prioritising infrastructure development, national teams and operations of institutions under the ministry,” said Minister Ncube in his budget presentation.

There have been widespread calls from various national associations for the government to take an active role in supporting the development of sports in the country.

Minister Ncube’s presentation comes at a time the national netball team is set to participate in the 2019 Netball World Cup finals in Liverpool, England, while the Warriors are on course to qualify for the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations.