Recreation and Sport Division (GA78)

In October 1973 the Recreation and Sport Division was established as part of the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport (1).

The principle functions of the Department were:

- to identify, promote, develop and encourage all forms of sport and recreation within the community
- to administer the Lotteries and Gaming Act, the Racing Act and the Soccer Football Pools Act
- to make available grants for innovative projects, facilities and other forms of capital assistance intended to further the interests of recreation and sport
- to sponsor a Recreation Advisory Council and a Sports Advisory Council (2).

In July 1975 , with the abolition of the Chief Secretary's Department, the Small Lotteries Section was transferred to the Recreation and Sport Division (3). At the same time the Totalisation Section of the Police Department was transferred to the control of the Division (4).

In June 1976 the National Fitness Council was amalgamated with the Recreation and Sport Division (5).

The Division was responsible for administering the Horse Racing Grounds Development Fund, the Trotting Grounds Development Fund, and the Dog Grounds Development Fund (6).

In March 1979 the Recreation and Sport Division of the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport was amalgamated with the Department of Community Development (7).

On 20 September 1979 the Recreation and Sport Division of the Department of Community Development, together with the Community Centre Branches of the Department, were amalgamated within the Department of Transport (8).

On 11 November 1982 the Recreation and Sport Division of the Department of Transport was transferred to the newly created Department of Recreation and Sport (9).

References:

1) GRG 75/83/481/77
2) SA Yearbook, 1981, p. 239
3) Government Gazette, 10 July 1975
4) ibid.
5) SA Yearbook, 1981, p. 239
6) ibid.
7) Government Gazette, 15 March 1979
8) Government Gazette, 20 September 1979, p.770
9) Government Gazette, 11 November 1982