At a joint meeting this morning, the MEC's of Sport in the WesternCape and Eastern Cape, Chris Stali and Nomsa Jajula have put theirsupport behind the Southern & Eastern Cape's (consisting of EasternProvince Rugby Union, South Western Districts Rugby Football Union andBorder Rugby Union) bid for one of the 5 franchises in the expandedSuper 14 tournament in 2006.
The MEC's said that "awarding the franchise to the Southern &Eastern Cape will enable SA Rugby to achieve its objectives at set outin its Vision 2007. The vision's objectives are a winning Springbokteam, transformation, growing the game and financial sustainability".
By awarding the franchise to the Southern & Eastern Cape, the MEC'ssaid, the game will grow as an underdeveloped supporter base isaccessed. Real transformation will take place and allow black playersin particular to receive the opportunities that they are not currentlyawarded. This new market will create new revenue streams, which willensure financial sustainability for rugby in the region.
Furthermore, a winning Springbok team with several merit black playersin the team will see unprecedented growth in the game.
MEC for Sport in the Eastern Cape, Ms Nomsa Jajula, said a successfulbid would provide a significant boost to the local economy of theregion, not only through local investment but also through internationaltourism. "Port Elizabeth in particular is one of the fastest growingcities in South Africa," she said. "Having a Super 14 team willsignificantly raise the profile of the entire region and will result inan increase in local investment in their region. Likewise the increasedexposure the region will get through its presence in this topinternational event will stimulate international interest and hopefullyhave a spin-off for local tourism," she said.
The Southern and Eastern Cape region is birthplace of rugby playersfrom all races with legends such as Themba Ludwaba, Peter Mkata, EricMajola, Clemmie Strydom, Jack Juries, Hannes Marais and Danie Gerbercoming to mind. More recently the region has developed players likeMark Andrews, Os du Randt, Solly Tyabilika, Gcobani Bobo and DeonKayser.
Awarding the franchise to the region will ensure that opportunities forblack players are created and that those players remain in the region. Provinces outside this region will be forced to focus on their owndevelopment programmes.
MEC for Sport in the Western Cape, Chris Stali said it makes sense toaward a franchise to the Southern and Eastern Cape. "Some 40% of allthe registered rugby players in the country are from this area, but theplayers unfortunately do not receive the recognition that they deserve. It is time for SA Rugby to make the right decision and award thisregion a fanchise," said Stali
Jajula said it made sense for the region to be awarded a Super 14franchise, as it was the only major metropolitan region that was notrepresented at present. "Port Elizabeth was traditionally one of thecountry's main rugby cities. Being awarded the bid will stimulateinterest and growth across the entire Southern and Eastern Cape regionand will hopefully benefit our soccer world cup ambitions in the mediumterm. Having high profile rugby played in the region will provided afantastic launching pad for what we intend to do in this region in2010," Jajula said.
Stali says that a successful Southern and Eastern Cape bid will make avital contribution to the future success of Springbok rugby and willalso ensure that there will be a truly representative side come 2011.
"There is no denying that this region will produce the black Boks ofthe future. It has to happen, and a Super 14 franchise will make itpossible. In bidding for 2011 we are committing ourselves to making surethat the team reflects our demographics. The opportunities that thefuture Boks from this region will gain from Super 14 exposure areimmeasurable and can contribute to the success of the RWC bid," Stalisaid.
Both MEC's said that a successful bid would stimulate growth andinterest in rugby across the entire Southern and Eastern Cape region."The amount of raw rugby talent in the region is unsurpassed. Thereare literally thousands of young players who have the ability to make itat the highest level, all they need is an incentive. A Super 14 team inthe region will provide that incentive and provide the opportunitiesthat are required to groom players for international rugby," theysaid.
"If SA Rugby are serious about transforming and growing the game,they must award the franchise to the Southern and Eastern Cape." TheMEC's fully agree with the national Minister that the bidding processshould be stopped and that SA Rugby should take a decision based on itsstrategic objectives to award the franshise to South Cape, Eastern Capeand Border. They are convinced that this will go a long way towards theachievement of the objectives of vision 2007.
Issued on behalf of:
Mr Zandisile Chris Stal
Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation
and
Ms Nomsa JajulaEastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and CultureFor further media enquiries please contact:
Justin De Allende
Director: Office of MEC Stali
Tel: 021 483 9806
Mobile: 084 657 5008 / 082 567 7511
Email: jdeallende@pgwc.gov.za
