Pretoria – More will be on offer in this year’s edition of the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day, as netball and cricket will be included in the mix.
Delivering his Budget Vote Speech in Parliament on Tuesday, Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula said: “We will once again honour the iconic Nelson Mandela through the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day, which will take place in August.
“For the first time this year, we will expand the scope of the event to include netball and cricket as part of the festivities, and also conduct coaching clinics run by the visiting international teams,” he said.
The day is held in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, South African Rugby Union (SARU), the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other social partners.
The spectacular inaugural Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day was launched last year at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 17 August. For the first time in the history of South African sport, South Africans watched both rugby and football teams playing against their opponents at the same venue. The day ended with a music concert.
Andrew Mlangeni Golf Development Day
Minister Mbalula also announced that the Andrew Mlangeni Golf Development Day will once again be held in October.
It is a chance for amateur golfers to gain exposure in a professional tournament, and to give them the opportunity to play alongside professional golfers.
Minister Mbalula said a portion of the funds raised from the day will be channelled into the Andrew Mlangeni Chapter of the South African Golf Development Board.
The Chapter is based in Soweto and will give approximately 50 young and aspiring golfers the opportunity to receive professional coaching and assistance with the equipment and attire required.
Minister Mbalula said their flagship programme aimed at recognising outstanding sport people will with from this year be held quarterly, as a build up to the South African Sport Awards. - SAnews.gov.za
