The Zambia Swimming Union has urged that […]

The Zambia Swimming Union has urged that the ongoing process of reviewing the Sports Council Act of 1996 must also address and establish clear guidelines on the allocation of resources to federations. The government, Zambia Law Development Agency, and other allies are in the process of reforming and modernizing the Council Act, Cap 142 of the Laws of Zambia.

Key changes include aligning professional sports to modernity, strengthening athlete welfare and protection, and commercialization. Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times, ZASU President Guy Phiri said the current funding model only recognizes football against the over 58 other federations, and there is no clear guideline over how much should be allocated to each.

“There is no transparent process on the allocation of funds amongst the federations; we would like to see a more transparent process, and the allocation of the funds should be done at the beginning of the year to allow the federations to prepare adequately.”

 “Right now as it stands, we try and attend international events, but we are limited because we don’t know whether they will fund us or not. Funding is a big issue; it should be clear and allow federations to plan better. Somebody decides, and we don’t know who decides who should take the lion’s share.”

Meanwhile, Phiri added that the amendments should also dissolve the powers given to the minister to appoint National Sports Council members and allow federations to send their representatives to the council.

“The composition of the board, the bill is outlined that the representatives are not elected by ourselves but appointed by the minister. We feel that step is retrogressive, and there is a need for us as federations to allow our members to be included on the board. and we have reservations of the law in its current state.”

Article Sam Mutale