Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa on Friday reiterated his call for a permanent solution for broadcasting rights, saying the sports department must not be left wanting again before major sporting events.

Kodwa was briefing the media in Pretoria ahead of the start of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he said this week began with much concern that most of the country would be unable to watch the event on SABC channels.

On Thursday MultiChoice struck a Rugby World Cup sub-licensing deal with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) after it was reported that the State-owned broadcaster did not have any rights to show the matches.

A total of 16 matches may now be broadcast by the SABC, including the opening ceremony and opening match, all Springbok matches, two quarterfinal matches, one semi-final, the bronze final, the final and the closing ceremony.

Kodwa explained that this agreement meant that millions of South Africans would be able to watch this “global showpiece”, and to see the Springboks go on to defend their world title.

“I had made it clear that my interest in this matter was for all South Africans to have access to a sport of national interest. I had also made clear the need to find a permanent solution to this matter, as this goes beyond rugby. All South Africans need to be able to watch our sports teams performing on international platforms,” he said.

The Springboks will play their first game on Sunday, against Scotland.

Kodwa said the Springboks represent the best of South Africa.

“They inspire national unity and foster social cohesion and national identity. This was captured by President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity,” he said.

On behalf of all South Africans, Kodwa wished the Bokke all the best at the World Cup.

“Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!” he exclaimed.

SCHOOL SPORT INDABA

Meanwhile, Kodwa announced that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a School Sports Indaba, next week, with the aim of establishing a national sports programme for South Africa, that is benchmarked against the world's most effective school sports programmes.

He noted that one of the priorities of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture was grassroots sports development.

“The School Sports Indaba will go a long way towards strengthening our focus on grassroots sports development through early identification and nurturing of sporting talent. The Sports Indaba will see over 30 organisations, as well as teacher unions, sports federations, international bodies and governments gather to exchange and come up with a blueprint for South African schools sport. I look forward to welcoming you to this important endeavour,” he said.