Background on situation between South African Grooms Association

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 1

Background n n n 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 n Raised concerns: q q q 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 n n n 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 n NHA: q q q n 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: q 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) n Other stakeholders: q q Disagree with signing of recognition agreements as SAGA lacks legitimacy Agree to engage on areas of development 6

NGB’s Recommendations n n n 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 socioeconomic development for grooms within the racing fraternity 7

Way forward n Scheduling meeting with: q q q Minister of Trade & Industry SAGA NHA NGB Jockey Association Breeders’ Association 8