South African NOC Requests $900 Million from Government

(ATR) South Africa needs over $900 million to become an international sporting powerhouse.

The money would be used to implement the National Sport Development Plan, drawn up by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) in 2011.

"We have costed [sic] that plan and we know exactly how much it will cost to make South Africa a powerhouse in sport," SASCOC president Gideon Sam said on Tuesday.

"All we are waiting for is for government to come to the party and to sign on the dotted line and to say, 'Here is your money. Live out your dreams.'"

According to Sam, the money would be used over a five year plan to "build some iconic facilities" and develop sport among South Africa’s youth.

He argued that although SASCOC understands that South Africa has pressing socioeconomic issues to attend to, sports development and infrastructure investment is still needed.

"Those priorities will always be there but as a sports movement, together with the ministry, we want our cut."

Written by Andrew Murrell

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