The Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation has received a briefing on the annual performance plan of the South African National Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) where it was revealed that the organisation is underfunded.

Sanabo was the last entity of the Department of Sport and Recreation to come and present its annual performance plan and strategic plan. Sanabo President, Mr Andile Mofu, told Members that the organisation operated on an annual budget of R1.2m and that is inadequate.

“We are struggling. The funding is not increasing from the department,” Mr Mofu said.

He said Sanabo administers more than 700 boxing clubs throughout the country and that R200 000 of their allocation is used mainly for administration.

“We do not have sponsorship, but sometimes we are assisted by the Lottery. Sanabo cannot host championships or send our boxers abroad,” he said.

Committee member, Mr Tsepo Mhlongo, said Sanabo needed to get more allocation from the department.

“Government must take the inspiration in developing boxing as it benefits the disadvantaged communities. But also that different sponsorships need to come on board and support grassroots development of sports in the country,” Mr Mhlongo said.

He said transfer of funds to Sanabo should happen in time so that the administration of amateur boxing is not compromised and that young people are encouraged to pursue boxing and a sporting code of choice.

Members sought clarity on the difference between amateur boxing and IBA open boxing, but also sought clarity on the involvement of the organisation in schools.

Mr Mofu said the issue of boxing in schools was still a challenge as there was the safety aspect of the sport that the Department of Basic Education is concerned about. “But all boxers belong to a club. We are not effectively addressing the issue of boxing in schools,” he said.

He said they were looking to work close with Boxing SA on issues of mutual interest like boxers’ welfare, referee and coaches’ development, and other development programmes.

“Boxing was not just voted a sport of choice for 2016. Boxing is happening via clubs,” Mr Mofu said.

Sibongile Maputi