THE South African Minister of Sport, Fikile Mbalula, has promised to break the bank for Team SA’s Olympic and Paralympic stars representing the country in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Olympics takes place from 3-21 August, with the Paralympics scheduled for 7-18 September.
Both the Olympians and Paralympic athletes have been promised huge incentives in Rio – and Mbalula has vowed to double these.
The SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has promised a bonus of R400 000 to athletes for every gold medal plus another R100 000 for the coach.
Athletes who bag silver will receive R250 000, with the coach getting R50 000, while R80 000 will be paid for every bronze, with the coach getting R20 000.
This applies to both Olympian and Paralympic athletes.
Mbalula has now promised to add to these incentives. The minister said he was more than happy to open his chequebook to reward excellence.
Sascoc president Gideon Sam announced a strong team of 44 Paralympians in Sandton yesterday, saying he expected 44 medals.
Speaking at the team announcement, Mbalula said he would not reward mediocrity, warning athletes that they wouldn’t see him at the airport upon their return if they flopped in Rio.
Mbalula said: “The Olympics and Paralympics are big events on our sporting calendar and we wish our athletes well. Let’s go collect gold medals and represent our country with pride.
“If they come back with medals we will pump in money. If they win big, I will come to the airport with big cheques – and double the incentives.”
Mbalula has vowed to travel to Rio to support Team SA after the local government elections in Mzansi on 3 August.
He added that athletes who had registered to vote would cast their ballots in Brazil on 2 August.
“I’m still campaigning hard for now, but I will join them after the elections,” Mbalula said.
Union Sekailwe, the London 2012 400m bronze medallist, said he would be going for gold in Rio: “I’m ready, focused and gunning for a gold medal. I’m more mature now and want to make my country proud.”