Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says the government is preparing to amend the Sport and Recreation Act as he looks to strengthen its ability to deal with governance failures and alleged maladministration within South African sport.
McKenzie’s comments come at a time when the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has taken decisive action against several sporting structures, with Athletics South Africa (ASA) among the federations that have recently come under scrutiny.
The concerns surrounding ASA include alleged governance failures, financial concerns and internal conflict, adding to growing pressure on sporting federations to improve accountability and administration.
McKenzie says the current legislation is outdated and that changes are necessary to give the department greater capacity to intervene.
“We are in the process of changing the Sport and Recreation Act; it is old! Currently our hands are full. The buck doesn’t stop with the Minister. But it will stop with me soon,” McKenzie told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.
The Minister also indicated that the department is working with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and international federations in its efforts to address problems within South African sport.
McKenzie reiterated his determination to address what he believes are longstanding problems within sporting administration.
“In the meantime, we are working with International Federations to get rid of the rot. We are in the process of getting rid of the rot,” he added.
McKenzie to Meet SA Rugby Over Esterhuizen Matter
The Minister is also expected to meet with SA Rugby to discuss several matters relating to the national sporting body, including the controversy surrounding Springbok captain Andre Esterhuizen.
Esterhuizen’s past allegations relating to a 2013 incident resurfaced after he was named national captain, prompting renewed debate over the decision and how the matter was handled.
McKenzie has questioned whether SA Rugby adequately explained the rationale behind its decision.
“I am seeing SA Rugby this week to get a full report [on Esterhuizen’s racial allegations and captaincy]. SA Rugby needs to understand people got hurt here and I don’t think they have explained the issue very well.”
He added: “They [SA Rugby] have failed to explain the rationale behind it.”
McKenzie said he expected to receive a report from SA Rugby as he seeks greater clarity on the matter.
“I am getting the report tomorrow.”
McKenzie Calls for Second Chances
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, McKenzie has also used his own experiences to argue that people should be allowed to change.
The Minister said he considers himself an example of someone who made mistakes, faced the consequences and was eventually given a second chance.
“I am the worst person in the world to ask about someone not getting second chances because I am a product of second chances. People change, people make mistakes, and I am a living example people can change.”
McKenzie said he hoped Esterhuizen had apologised to the alleged victim and made peace with the matter.
“I have done worse things than Andre Esterhuizen, and I have been forgiven. I have paid for my crimes and went to jail. I am a true testament that people can change.”
He believes Esterhuizen should not necessarily be defined permanently by his past.
“I will back Andre Esterhuizen; he was a young boy, and he has changed. For his sake, I hope he has apologised to his victim, and he has made peace.”
McKenzie also said he had spoken to two people who work with Esterhuizen and received positive feedback about his character.
“We can show people and use Andre Esterhuizen to show that racism is not the way; the world will accept you if you are not racist. And I don’t believe he is a racist. I have spoken to two individuals who work with Andre Esterhuizen, and they have very good things to say about him.”
The meeting between McKenzie and SA Rugby could provide further clarity on how the department views the controversy and whether any action will follow from the Minister’s concerns.
Meanwhile, the proposed changes to the Sport and Recreation Act could have wider implications for the relationship between government, SASCOC and South Africa’s national sporting federations as McKenzie seeks greater accountability across the sporting landscape.
