A comparative analysis of financial and employment indicators at volunteer supported events in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study objective was to assess and compare financial and employment indicators of volunteer supported sport and festival events in the Western Cape. The study used the Western Cape Event Survey Template to conduct an empirical analysis of selected financial and employment outcomes for 14 sport and 20 festival events. Sport and festival events on average used similar numbers of volunteers. However, volunteer supported sport events created twice the number of temporary jobs and around four times more permanent jobs; sport events also attracted extra private sponsorship, achieved greater income flows and generated more profit when compared to festival events. The study demonstrates the superior business acumen of sport event managers to accrue positive financial and employment outcomes. These findings suggest that sport event coordinators were able to manage volunteers more effectively, whilst volunteers themselves benefited by gaining experience and improved access to work opportunities. The study provides a better understanding of the key financial indicators that directly impact on the success and sustainability of an event and the potential for job creation.