×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Games budget good enough

South Africa's government has expressed disappointment at the decision to strip Durban of the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, saying the budget it had guaranteed for the event was sufficient.

The Commonwealth Games Federation said on Monday it was seeking a new host because the coastal city had failed to deliver on the promises it had made in its bid, including on governance, venues, funding and risk management.

But Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said the financial demands of the CGF were excessive, and that in a tough economic climate the country would not leave itself exposed to an "open-ended guarantee" on the event's budget.

He said the government disagreed with the CGF's statement, while respecting its decision as the rights holder.

"Our country is regrettably not in a position to make huge financial commitments given the current competing socioeconomic needs and global economic downturn," he said.

"In the interests of fiscal discipline and financial prudency, our government has considered all options and remains confident that we have acted in the best interest of South Africa."

Durban missed deadlines last November to sign the host city contract, establish an organising committee and make contracted payments to the CGF.

Mbalula said the government had approved a budget of R4.32-billion, which it believed was ample, using the country's hosting of the All Africa Games 18 years ago as a yardstick.

"The 1999 All Africa Games are comparable in size, the number of athletes, the number of technical officials and the duration, to the planned Commonwealth Games of 2022," Mbalula said.

"South Africa successfully hosted the All Africa Games with a budget of R252- million. Should it be compounded at 6% per annum over a period of 21 years, it will amount to R808-million in 2022."

Birmingham and Liverpool have expressed an interest in stepping in to replace Durban in 2022.

Download our App
Download our Apple AppDownload our Android App

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.