Value of sport in post-apartheid South Africa

Abstract

This paper draws on a large body of knowledge presented as an initial draft for the ‘Case for Sport’ that was prepared in collaboration with Sport and Recreation South Africa, which is in the process of being finalised. Selected research evidence builds the ‘case’ by showing the significance of sport-related impacts and effects within five domains, namely: nation-building and social cohesion, addressing various aspects of social transformation, health-related benefits, positive educational outcomes and economic benefits. The substantiation of such benefits contribute to the argument of the significance of sport (in the broad sense) in the post-Apartheid South African context (post 1994). The findings support global, regional and national sport-related effects at multiple levels and span different sectors of influence. Main arguments take cognisance of the complexity and contextual realities, and present critical reflections as not to over-estimate the positive effects or uncritical acceptance of findings.

Keywords: Sport; Health; Education; Economy; Social issues; Nation-building