The relationship between the provision of basic needs and participation in sport in a low income community : the case of Sicelo township, South Africa

Abstract

Decades of subjection to the policies of separate development in South Africa have left the majority of its people in a state of poverty. One of the solutions to address poverty is the provision of basic needs, which assists poor people to escape the grip of poverty and to participate fully in community life. The scarcity of basic needs, however, prevents poor people from living normal lives. For most poor communities, participation in sport is deemed a low priority activity with basic needs prioritised. The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of the provision of basic needs on sport participation in poor communities. The research methodology included a literature review of theoretical aspects of basic needs and participation in sport, as well as a quantitative household survey conducted in the low income township of Sicelo, located in Southern Gauteng. The results suggest that sport participation levels there are low with just 21 percent of households participating in any type of sport. Findings revealed that the scarcity of basic needs may have a negative impact on sport participation, where the provision of basic needs may possibly enhance the levels of participation. The provision of basic needs such as decent housing, sufficient food and access to essential services, including water and electricity, could allow for increased participation in sport. Recommendations based on the results of the study were formulated to influence policy makers in policy formulation, specifically at the local sphere for low-income communities.