City of uMhlathuze resolves to support soccer club

IN line with its strategy to ‘aggressively market the city, the uMhlathuze Council has resolved to support Richards Bay Football Club despite the uproar the issue caused at last Friday’s council meeting which led to all opposition parties staging a walkout.

‘The city acknowledges that by law, the executive committee and full council have the right to consider all proposals and take resolutions. Opposition parties have the right to oppose what is tabled at council, which is part of the democratic process,’ said city spokesperson Mdu Ncalane.

He said council received a request for sponsorship of the soccer club of R12.5-million, but considering the financial situation of council, Exco and council only approved R2.5-million.

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This will involve an initial R1-million which is already available, with the additional R1.5-million to be made available after next year’s budget adjustment period.

‘This support is equal to the previous team’s support, taking into consideration that the new club also plays in the National First Division (NFD),’ said Ncalane.

The aim of the sponsorship is to position the City of uMhlathuze as a national player, and to attract tourists and investors.

‘The uMhlathuze brand will gain prominence, especially through televised matches since the club will be wearing regalia bearing the city’s brand colours.

‘Furthermore, council recognised the economic spin-offs for local vendors and the boost for township economies that will come with matches played in our city.’

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Referring to last week’s walkout, Ncalane said opposition parties failed to understand rule 38.2 of the Standing Order for Council.

‘They failed to understand the rule by demanding a division of votes. No voting took place on the item in question.’

Ncalane said no counter motion was tabled successfully before council to oppose the sponsorship.

‘It is on record that the EFF councillor proposed a counter proposal, which also failed because it was not seconded as per the procedure of the standing orders.’

The IFP on Thursday held a press conference on the walkout, at which it echoed other opposition parties’ sentiments against the sponsorship.

‘It is noted with concern that while there is a water crisis in wards 31, 32 and 33, council supported and approved financial assistance of R2.5-million to a one-man owned club,’ the party said.

It also raised concerns over the soccer club using the municipal sports facilities at no cost.

‘The IFP doesn’t approve of this financial assistance to the Richards Bay Football Club, and we gave a mandate to our councillors not to approve it.

‘Our stand is that while we support sport development in our area, private companies must be approached for funding and that the municipality should stick to its mandate of providing basic services to the community.’

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