The City will start with a public participation process on its draft Sports Facilities Management Policy next month (September).
Interested and affected parties are invited to submit their comments on proposed amendments to the policy during the comment period.
“This policy seeks to address how the City partners interact and communicate with various sporting bodies and clubs regarding the management and maintenance of municipal sporting facilities,” Jean-Pierre Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, and Social Services, explained.
“The draft policy also addresses the optimal use and self-sufficiency of facilities, environmental sustainability, equitable sport and recreation services and the requirements for clubs to have sport development programmes.”
Comments, recommendations or input can be submitted to the municipality from Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 September.
The policy further clarifies the roles, rights and responsibilities of all concerned in the management and maintenance of these facilities, while also addressing revenue generation and specific operational matters that may require contractual agreements.
“We recognise the benefits and importance of involving communities and regular patrons in the management, maintenance and security of facilities,” Smith said. “It promotes a sense of ownership, pride and communal responsibility.
“However, clear guidance is needed on the powers, rights, roles and responsibilities of sports clubs and regular patrons operating on City-owned land or using City-owned sport facilities.”
Smith added that the policy also addresses how the City will manage sports facilities to reduce the maintenance liability and instead promote partnerships and a sense of responsibility and accountability among sports clubs. Other considerations include ensuring the responsible and sustainable use of playing surfaces.”
This policy, which covers all outdoor and indoor municipal sports grounds and facilities where sport is played, includes municipal sports facilities run in partnership with educational institutions, private sector organisations and NGOs. It, however, excludes resorts, public toilets, swimming pools and community halls.
The public participation process will be published on the City’s website (www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay) along with an online comment form from 1 September.
Comments, recommendations and input may be submitted via:
. Email on trevor.steyn@capetown.gov.za;
. Written submission – Attention: Trevor Steyn, 12th Floor Civic Centre Towerblock, 4-bay side, Cape Town Civic Centre; or
. Online: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
The City’s Public Participation Unit will assist people living with disabilities who are unable to submit written comments to have their objections recorded and submitted.
For special assistance, contact Zandile Mahlasela on 021 400 5501 or zandile.mahlasela@capetown.gov.za.