New Minister of Sports Zizi Kodwa hopes to inspire gloomy South Africa

Kodwa was named the new Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture in the most recent cabinet reshuffle by President Cyril Ramaphosa this month.

In an interview with SABC Sport, Kodwa expressed his desire to facilitate moments that inspire the country during difficult times, as seen in the past.

"There are so many things around us that are not okay such as GBV (gender-based violence), load-shedding but in history, whether it's 1995 (Rugby World Cup, whether it's 2010 (Fifa World Cup), whether it's the Blue Bulls in Soweto. 

You need a moment to lift up the country and I'm given that responsibility at a time when the nation is depressed. I'm overwhelmed by responsibility and I think I'm equal to the task," he said.

Kodwa confirmed his first priority in office will be to focus on development in previously disadvantaged areas, which, despite limited resources, have produced world-class athletes such as celebrated Proteas and World Cup Springbok winners.

"We must make sure that there's development in rural areas in terms of infrastructure. We've had some of the best and finest cricketers from areas without infrastructure like Makhaya Ntini. 

“We've had some of the best rugby players coming from areas with no infrastructure like Mampimpi (Makazole), (Lukhanyo) Am and many others.”