BNSC budget to remain static at P160m

Mqondisi Dube | Monday March 3, 2025 09:12

The figure of P160, 508, 090 is subject to approval by Parliament following Finance Minister, Ndaba Gaolathe's budget presentation on February 9. There has been growing expectation from the BNSC affiliations for an increase in the government subvention, but the financial squeeze the country is facing could put paid to such hopes. Last year, there was an increase from P114 million to P161 million, largely due to international competitions that included the Olympic Games. The World Athletics Championships, the Zebras, and the Mares' participation at the Africa Cup of Nations finals are this year's major sport highlights.

Last year, the then Minister of Finance, Peggy Serame, promised a 317% increase in sport's development budget, with the government increasing incentives for athletes under the Incentive Policy introduced in 2012. Under the policy, athletes who win medals at the Olympics are entitled to houses in addition to cash incentives. Last year, the government gave away eight houses as part of the spoils for the victorious athletes. Inadequate funding has often seen most codes fail to carry out their full programmes, including skipping or trimming teams to international assignments.