‘Our City-owned sports facilities are some the most used spaces in the city and provide a location for weekend recreation, mid-week practice sessions and serve as safe venues during school holidays. This policy seeks to address how the City partners, interacts and communicates with various sporting bodies and clubs regarding the management and maintenance of municipal sporting facilities. 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,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.

The public and interested parties or groups have the opportunity to submit comments, recommendations or input to the municipality from 1 September 2018 to 30 September 2018.

The policy clarifies the roles, rights and responsibilities of all concerned in the management and maintenance of these facilities. It also addresses revenue generation and specific operational matters that may require contractual agreements.

‘As a caring and inclusive City, we recognise the benefits and importance of involving communities and regular patrons in the management, maintenance and security of facilities. 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.

‘The policy also addresses how the City will manage sports facilities so that we 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,’ said Alderman Smith.

This policy covers all outdoor and indoor municipal sports grounds and facilities where sport is played and includes municipal sports facilities run in partnership with educational institutions, private sector organisations and NGOs.

It excludes resorts, public toilets, swimming pools and community halls.

The public participation process will be published on the City’s website along with an online comment form from 1 September 2018 at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay

Comments, recommendations and input may be submitted via:

• Email:  trevor.steyn@capetown.gov.za

• Written submission: Attention: Trevor Steyn, 12th Floor Civic Centre Towerblock, 4-bay side, Cape Town Civic Centre

• Website: 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 to the City.

For special assistance please contact: Zandile Mahlasela at 021 400 5501 or zandile.mahlasela@capetown.gov.za

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