The Tshwane metropolitan municipality and strategic partnerships in sport and recreation

In 2002, the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality commissioned research to investigate the potential of strategic partnerships for the optimal facilitation and co-operative governance of sport and recreation. The aim of this project was to identify the possible structure and nature of partnerships in order to facilitate effective management, service provision and development of sport and recreation within the Municipality. A structured questionnaire was developed that was completed by 229 stakeholders at various levels of representation. The respondents were people at different levels from various sport and recreation organizations. Eighty-eight structured interviews were also conducted with a judgement sample of sport personalities, sport sponsors and schools. Additionally, five focus group sessions were conducted with representatives of the local communities and households to ensure regional representation and to provide for triangulation of data. Documentation was also undertaken. The data was analysed through SPSS and frequencies, means and cross tabulations were reported. The analysis of data revealed: confusion regarding roles and functions; lack of clarity regarding structure and funding; lack of communication and mutual support; frustration of employees; inadequate and ineffective marketing of services; under provision of facilities, funding and services and poor maintenance of facilities and apparatus. The main challenge seems to be the structuring of formal, mutually beneficial agreements with multi-level partners from both the public and private sectors of the sport and recreation industry. Key words: Municipality, strategic partnerships, Sport and recreation. (Af. J. Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance: 2003 Special Edition: 78-88