Parliament, Sunday, 31 May 2020 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Beauty Dlulane, has called on professional athletes to strictly adhere to regulations when lockdown level 3 kicks in.
On Saturday, Minister of Sports, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, announced the return to training for a number of sporting codes.
Ms Dlulane said the committee supported the announcement regarding the return to action of professional sports persons.
“This is a good move by government, but the committee wishes to make a call for strict adherence to the regulations. South Africa is yet to peak and that calls for extra caution in all facets of our lives in the sporting fraternity.”
She said frequent testing should be mandatory and called on athletes to be exemplary and ambassadors of what the government is trying to achieve. “The objective is to flatten the curve.”
“Respective associations, clubs, managers, fitness trainers need to ensure that the athlete remains healthy, and that the training equipment is regularly changed and sanitised.”
The committee also noted the continued COVID-19 relief support grant that the department is availing to athletes and actors.
Ms Dlulane has called for the continuation of that support as the return to training doesn’t guarantee provision of a steady income.
She called on applicants to follow the proper applications guidelines and ensure relevant documentation is included all the time.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SPORTS, ARTS AND CULTURE, MS BEAUTY DLULANE.
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Name: Sibongile Maputi (Mr)
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Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
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