The availability of recreation policies and strategies for the provision of recreation service delivery in the North West Province, South Africa

The promotion of recreation and leisure through coherent strategies and policy development is a significant move towards changing the quality lives of communities. The unavailability of recreation strategies and policies are associated with negative effect on the delivery of recreation services. The purpose of the study was therefore, to determine the availability of recreation strategies and policies in for the provision of recreation service delivery in North-West Province, South Africa. A mixed-method research design involving a questionnaire and a focus group were used to collect information from a targeted sample of 20 personnel who were responsible for managing recreation at local government levels. The results showed that the majority (75%) of the local governments are in the rural settings whilst 25% are located in urban areas with limited resources. 100% local governments do not have recreation strategic plans. Policy statements concerning finance (80%), provision of human resources (90%), provision of recreation facilities (65%), provision of recreation programme (80%), coordination, planning or implementation of recreation programmes (85%), the lease of recreation facilities (75%), the appointment of administrative or supportive service (95%) or the use of volunteers (80%) were not available. A practical significant effect (phi=0.540) between area and the policy statements regarding recreation provision was observed in the provision of recreation facilities where the availability of policy in urban areas is larger than in rural areas. Focus group and sport personnel also indicated the unavailability of policies as a major issue affecting recreation service delivery. The study concluded that local governments are challenged with the lack of various policies for recreation provision. The study recommended that local governments should develop recreation strategies and policies that address recreation service delivery can be addressed. In addition, collaboration between local and provincial governments should be strengthened to ensure effective recreation service delivery