1

Background on situation between South African Grooms’ Association

and the National Horseracing Authority

Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry – 31 July 2013

Margot Herling

Background

2011/12: PC on Trade and Industry was considering Gambling Review Commission’s Report

Public hearings incl horseracing industry stakeholders

SA Grooms’ Association (SAGA) – one of these stakeholders

2

SA Groomers’ Association

Raised concerns: Lack of transformation Abuse by trainers (employers) Other labour related matters Development and training of grooms No recognition agreement btw National

Horseracing Authority (NHA) & SAGA

3

Process to date

Manco – several meetings with SAGA to understand concerns & facilitate these being addressed

National Gambling Board – facilitate meetings btw NHA & SAGA related to establishing a recognition agreement

As at 15 May 2013 – deadlock regarding the recognition agreement

4

Reasons for the deadlock NHA:

Has no recognition agreements with other bodies although regulates these

Many issues are labour-related Suggested a code of conduct btw trainers & groomers

as part of trainers’ licence conditions SAGA:

Recognition agreement covering skills development, registration & licensing of grooms by NHA, & communication mechanisms with NHA, operators & trainers, among others.

5

Reasons for the deadlock (cont) Other stakeholders:

Disagree with signing of recognition agreements as SAGA lacks legitimacy

Agree to engage on areas of development

6

NGB’s Recommendations

NGB: non-financial support to grooms Financial support to facilitate proper

governance structures for grooms is explored with relevant role players - DTI & Dept of Labour

Minister and PC consider a regulatory framework that would facilitate socio-economic development for grooms within the racing fraternity

7

Way forward

Scheduling meeting with: Minister of Trade & Industry SAGA NHA NGB Jockey Association Breeders’ Association

8