Pretoria - Boxing should be turned into a leading sport code in South Africa by 2017, the Sports Department said on Wednesday.
Officials project that if it all goes well, boxing revenue would reach R5 million, in 2013/14 financial year, R6.2 million in between 2014/15 increasing to R7.1 million by 2016.
In a joint statement issued following a meeting between Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula and Boxing South Africa (BSA), the department appealed to all stakeholders and role-players in the sector to embrace “Vision 2017” in order to resuscitate and promote boxing in all the provinces.
“We are encouraged by the emphasis placed in the interest of the boxer and we can now look forward to a new dispensation that will benefit the athletes so that they themselves can have something to show for their involvement in the sporting code in which they have dedicated their lives,” said the statement.
The plan would, among others, beef up boxing administration by ensuring and safeguarding the safety, health and general well-being of professional boxers. Authorities have also pledged to promote, market, and sanction quality boxing events and tournaments.
To achieve these objectives, BSA needed to ensure that there was strong leadership, accountability and diversity across all business units and governing spheres.
Mbalula also supported the multi-lateral agreement involving ETV, Super Sport, SABC and BSA on broadcasting rights that will result in millions of boxing fans watching boxing on their television.
The parties further agreed that BSA will introduce guiding principles for improved revenue streams and revenue collection.
Revenues would be generated from government grants, bequests, site fees, ticket sales, registration fees, tournament licensing fees, penalties, incomes from invested surplus, sponsorship and fundraising, broadcast and advertising income. – SAnews.gov.za
