The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, is using her time in office to drive transformation and gender inequality in sport.

‘A key focus for the Deputy Minister has been addressing gender inequality in sport, particularly ensuring equal pay and resource allocation for female athletes,’ the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said on Thursday.

Mabe revealed her plans during a media briefing held in Johannesburg with Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to provide a report to the nation on their first 100 days in office following their swearing into office in the Government of National Unity (GNU) on 3 July 2024.

Mabe spoke extensively on her engagements and plans in the ministry, which include driving further transformation within the sporting community; her contributions to the Cricket South Africa Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Indaba; her attendance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, as well as her engagements with global ministers at the International Film Week
in Moscow.

‘The department is in the final stages of developing a comprehensive Women in Sport Policy Framework, which addresses multiple areas of gender disparity, including participation, leadership, governance and visibility.

“The Deputy Minister has also taken a hands-on approach to supporting women in boxing,’ the Ministry said on Thursday.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will soon launch numerous renovation projects for community sporting facilities across the country.

These efforts aim to provide equal access to quality sports infrastructure, beginning with Limpopo province, where the Deputy Minister will be overseeing the handover of upgraded facilities in Moletji and Lephalale in late October 2024.

In the arts sector, Mabe is leading efforts to create an enabling environment for artists, particularly those in underserved communities.

‘One of the key outcomes of her discussions was the recognition that civic and multipurpose community centres can be transformed into hubs for art
istic expression and economic activity.

‘By providing artists with these spaces, the department aims to directly contribute to job creation and economic opportunities within the creative sector.

‘The Deputy Minister further touched on the department’s strategic realignment to now embrace public-private partnerships to revitalise critical programmes within the Department and create opportunities for greater participation in sport, arts and culture,’ the Ministry said.

A prime example of this was her visit to the Enos Mafokate Equestrian Sport Centre in Soweto, where the Ministry has explored possible upgrades and partnerships to improve the facility.

Mabe has further supported several important initiatives that honour South Africa’s living legends and promote its rich cultural heritage.

Source: South African Government News Agency