Siyadlala Mass Sport Participation Programme Launched in Khayelitsha

Minister for Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Chris Stali, officially launched the Western Cape Siyadlala Mass participation programme at Site C Stadium in Khayelitsha on Saturday, 4th December 2004.

Siyadlala is a national project of Sport and Recreation South Africa aimed at facilitating mass participation in sport and recreation activities, especially in disadvantaged communities in high crime areas and government priority nodal areas. The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhenkesi Stofile launched the programme nationally in the Northern Cape approximately two months ago.

At least 2000 new participants from two hubs of the Metropolitan region took part in various sporting codes to be demonstrated by qualified instructors. These instructors are currently concentrating on President Mbeki's priority areas, Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain. The Siyadlala programme has, since June this year, employed a total of 39 instructors to actively coordinate the introduction of new sporting codes to previously disadvantaged areas. Some of the codes to be displayed at the launch tomorrow include gymnastics, aerobics, basketball, handball and all indigenous games.

In an effort to expose a greater number of aspiring sportspersons to a wider choice in sport, the programme will be rolled out to six more areas of the Western Cape next year. The Minister, in consultation with other stakeholders, will identify the areas meeting the criteria.