Going to Scale? A critique of the role of the public sector in sport for development and peace in South Africa

Abstract

The Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) field has grown rapidly, but still faces certain theoretical and practical limitations. This study analyses the role of the public sector in SDP, examining how it can best work with other stakeholders and partners to ensure sport is optimised as a vehicle for social change. The study examines public sector engagement in SDP in South Africa, using a parallel mixed methods approach, including key informant interviews, surveys, document analysis and observation. Findings show that state led SDP initiatives can achieve results but improved outcomes are more likely if partnerships exist within government and with other organs of society. It is recommended the state plays a strategic and regulatory role, focusing less on service delivery while providing greater leadership and direction in coordinating efforts related to SDP. Teamwork is vital.

Keywords: Sport; Governance; State; Civil Society; Development; Intersectoral