Canoeing South Africa appeals for funding stability amid drastic cuts

Canoeing South Africa appeals for urgent funding review

Canoeing South Africa (CSA) is making an urgent plea to the national government to re-evaluate its financial support framework for national sports federations. Drastic funding cuts from the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) and the National Lottery Commission (NLC) are severely impacting both high-performance and development initiatives. NLC funding for high-performance programs has been eliminated, DSR grants significantly decreased, and the administrative grant cut. Development support has dropped 45% since 2012, leaving the federation with only R390,000 for 2018.

Olympic legacy and athlete support threatened

CSA President Kim Pople highlighted the sport's Olympic status, including a London 2012 bronze medal, and its consistent international dominance in marathon and surfski events, despite substantial logistical and financial hurdles. Historically, CSA supported national team athletes with travel, equipment, and coaching; however, the complete absence of high-performance funding now means athletes face enormous personal costs to represent their country.

Inconsistent funding and government priorities

Discussions with the DSR Director General confirmed the government's decision to redirect funding from high-performance sport towards mass participation and transformation. While CSA acknowledges national priorities, Pople noted a significant shift from a long-standing national plan that supported comprehensive sport development. The NLC, the primary funding source, uses project-based allocations with a "cooling off" period, halting funding for a full year, which severely hinders sustainable program planning. CSA advocates for a balanced and consistent funding model, as current lack of support has stalled their high-performance program, preventing athlete assistance and the employment of national coaches, leading to widespread disillusionment.

Consequences:...

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