interesting interview

The Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board (ECGBB) has partnered with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) in a collaborated effort to develop a Traditional Horse Racing Policy for the Eastern Cape. The ECGBB is the regulator of the gambling industry in the Province and is one of the key stakeholders towards stabilising and enhancing the tourism sector and as such has had a keen interest in the development of the indigenous sport. “We want to see this Traditional Horse Racing Policy as a means to support and develop the sport. You’ll be amazed at the numbers that this sport can attract, for example, on 26 December there is an annual event in Tsolo Junction, where a race meeting is deemed to attract over 30 000 people, so the tourism aspect is undeniable” says Mr Luvuyo Tshoko, Strategic Management Services Manager at ECGBB. Currently, in a multi-stakeholder effort, the ECGBB and DSRAC have mobilised the various traditional horse racing associations, departments such as Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Department of Roads and Public Works, SPCA and interested businesses from the five districts where the sport is most popular. “As DSRAC, we are committed to our mandate and we will ensure that this indigenous sport can grow to its fullest potential through a united vision and collaborated resources where its economic spin-offs can be derived” said Mr Feju, Assistant Manager: Recreation at DSRAC. The engagement sessions to develop the Eastern Cape Traditional Horse Racing Policy have taken place at five districts where the sport is most prevalent, namely Joe Gqabi, Alfred Nzo, O.R. Tambo, Amathole and Chris Hani. “The main aim of the Traditional Horse Racing Policy is to ensure that the sport is governed by a standard approach that can facilitate its development, economic opportunities, tourism and growth. As the provincial structure of the indigenous horse racing association we welcome this initiative” said Mr Mpahlana, Chairperson of the Provincial Indigenous Horse Racing Association. A local horse owner and trainer in the Tsolo area, Mr Mkwali shared similar sentiments, “we need to have this document because we have our own rules here in Tsolo, sometimes in other areas there are other rules which can be unfair for others who don’t have them at all,” he said.

Race Horse owners from around the Eastern Cape are looking forward to the Premier’s Traditional Horse Race Day to be held at the Berlin Racecourse near King William’s Town on Saturday, 29 November. Racing starts at 11am and entry for spectators is FREE. Eight races will take place on the day. Spectators will also be able to enjoy cultural music, food and fashion on the day. Four traditional horse races have been carded along with four thoroughbred races. Thoroughbred horses will contest the two main races in the over 1400m and 1000m. Total prize money for the race is R250 000. The winning horse will earn R10 000, a saddle and bridle for the owners for the Majodina Race Handicap and the Premier’s Horse racing handicap. Second prize will be R7500. The third place horse will earn R3500, and a fourth-place prize of R1500 is also up for grabs. For the first time R50 000 has been set aside for jockeys to win over the eight races. The four indigenous horse races will carry a total of R60 000 in stake money. Mr Norman Sangotsha, the Chairman of the N17 Horse Racing Club in Mdantsane, said he is looking forward to the day. “I have been involved in traditional horse racing since 1983, but this is the biggest meeting we will have. I have entered a horse called Phelandaba in the 1000m handicap, and in the Premier’s Traditional Horse Race Handicap. I am hoping that my other horse, Nababantu Besiza, will run a big race as well. “I am expecting Nkanyamba, who is owned by Mr Brian Lottering of Cofimvaba and Sesikhona, who is owned by Mr Matiwane of King William’s Town to be the big runners in The Premier’s race. These two horses and my horse look by far the best runners,” said Mr Sangotsha. Tomorrow at Tyhusha Village near King William’s Town, traditional race enthusiasts will enter their horses in a 7km cross country event. The race starts at 10am and about 50 horses are expected to run the race.