Durban - Recreation programmes have played second fiddle to elite sport despite its potential to address the country's social ills.
This is according to experts attending the South African Sport and Recreation Conference, who have conducted various studies that show that well thought out and structured recreation programmes impact positively on people and provide them with opportunities to develop holistically.
Cornelia Schreck from the North West University said South Africa's resources to effectively deal with the number of people infected with HIV and AIDS are very limited and only the basic needs are taken care off.
It is estimated that there are 1.9 million orphans in the country as a result of their parents dying from HIV and AIDS. That figure is expected to rise to three million by 2015.
The leisure and recreational needs for these orphans, together with adolescents infected with HIV and AIDS, fall by the wayside, leaving their psychological and social development potential neglected.
Schreck used the Thanda After School Project in Durban's south coast as an example of the impact that recreational activity has on Aids-affected orphans.
In her presentation, she said care givers at the school felt that the children showed that recreation programmes were essential for their health and emotional well being.
Their self esteem received a boost; they were able to learn about respect for themselves and others.
These are things that the children would have learnt at home but no longer have that guidance from their parents and family, therefore the need for interpersonal development has to be met.
Schreck said that orphans are often seen as a burden to society but if there were proper programmes to assist them, this could add much more value to society.
In another study, a group of female students with some form of emotional-related problem, in Bloemfontein participated in adventure activities.
The study showed that the young girls' participation in the programme showed a potential for enhancing their resilience and succeeding in life.
Meanwhile, current recreation and leisure trends are showing that there is a market which entrepreneurs and commercial recreational service providers can capture.
Professor Paul Singh said that companies have been introducing flexi hours, which means people in some cases have more time on their hands. Additionally, South Africa has a growing number of affluent people who don't work.
A substantial number of them are women, who haven't engaged in formal labour and have time and financial resources to spend.
Elderly people, with no bonds and other major financial commitments, also have disposable income. They look for quality recreational activities at affordable prices, making them another target market.
Singh said according to studies done in recent years, an alarming percent of teenagers did not do anything to keep healthy and fit. They preferred to play computer games, watch television and hang out at malls.
The other cause for concern is that South Africa is following the obesity trends that prevail in other countries.
Recreation service providers must consider these factors and offer more relevant activities with more visible marketing programs.
He added that while women continue to carry domestic duties, they are becoming more active in taking care of themselves by spending time at spas, doing yoga and other forms of exercise. They are also on the lookout for other leisure activities.
