Sports Fields for Africa on the Muman Multi Sports Space system
Meeting Summary
Sports Fields for
The Committee seemed impressed with the system and the impact it could make in rural communities. Members were glad to hear that presentations had been made to
Meeting report
Election of Acting Chairperson
In accordance with the Rules of Parliament, an Acting Chairperson was appointed in the absence of the Chairperson, Mr B Komphela (ANC). Mr L Suka (ANC) was elected as Acting Chairperson.
Ms Fatima Haffejee, Director, and Mr Taahir Dockrat, Senior Manager, presented the Muman Multi Sports Space to the Committee. Members were introduced to the company, owned by Ms Haffejee. Sports Fields for
Sports Fields for
Discussion
Ms T Sunduza (ANC) asked whether it was correct that the one system accommodated various sports.
Mr Dockrat responded that it was in fact so.
Mr G MacKenzie (COPE) asked about the practicality of the system and whether people could play barefoot on the surface. Could shoes with studs be worn?
He also asked whether there was protection for players around the poles and fencing which supported the structure.
Mr Dockrat said that players could play on the surface barefoot. Soccer boots with studs were, however, not recommended but normal trainers could be worn.
The poles of the structure are manufactured in
Mr T Lee (DA) said he needed no convincing that the system was in fact needed. The issue was more about affordability and quality. He asked whether the system could be installed indoors. Sports Fields for
Mr Dockrat responded that the system could be installed and used indoors and outdoors. He agreed to contact the Sports Trust.
Mr B Dlamini (IFP) said that the system looked promising. He asked about maintenance and what the cost might be.
Mr Dockrat responded that the system did not require maintenance unless it had been intentionally vandalised. The system was meant to last for a long time.
Ms Haffejee added that the system was made up of various components. If one component is damaged then only that component need be replaced.
Ms B Tseke (ANC) asked whether presentation had been made to the provinces and what their reactions had been.
Mr Dockrat replied that presentation had been made to
Mr J Van der Linde (ANC) approved of the system. The disadvantage in rural areas is that sports such as hockey are played on grass fields. When players made it to trials they were expected to play on astro turf. He asked if the system could be bigger than the dimensions that were given. What would be the cost of the system if the cement base that was needed was already in place? Would the cost be halved?
Mr Dockrat responded that the bigger the size, the greater the cost. Sizes larger that 40m x 20m were not recommended as the cost would increase. For the purposes of hockey, an alternative to installing the system would be to replace grass with astro turf which Sports Fields for
If a concrete base was already in place the cost would decrease. Local labour was used to lay the concrete base but the work is overseen by Sports Fields for Africa.The entire system takes one week to set up.
Ms Sunduza asked where the system had been installed and what effect varying weather conditions had on it?
Mr Dockrat said that the system had been installed in the
The system could withstand varying weather patterns. The steel parts were coated and could withstand rain.
Mr S Mmusi (ANC) said that many areas in SA were windy. He wondered how sand would affect the system?
Mr Dockrat said that sand could be brushed off.
Ms Sunduza suggested that a presentation be made to the new Ministry of Rural Development as well as to other portfolio committees.
Mr Lee asked whether there were other companies producing the same product.
Mr Dockrat said that no other company sold the system.
Mr Suka asked if Sedgars was a SA company. He commended Sports Fields for Africa on their social responsibility and inquired as to the location of the soup kitchens in
Mr Dockrat explained that Sports Fields for
Bursaries had been awarded to 50 learners mostly in the
The Chairperson Mr Komphela apologised for his late arrival at the meeting. He felt the presentation to be an important one since the system was important for children and communities. The system and what it aimed to achieve went hand in hand with the work of the Department of Rural Development. He did, however, have a problem with the Co-operative Governance Department and lacked confidence in this department as it had no capacity. The relevant department was Rural Development. Another key department was Sports and Recreation. He said that as Minmec MECs were present it would be good if the system could be presented to them. The system could be installed almost anywhere even in the
The meeting was adjourned.
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