Cape Town – Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the implementation of sport, arts, and culture in public schools across South Africa.
This collaboration aims to unlock talent and promote transformation by providing access to facilities, coaching, and equipment in schools, especially in townships and rural areas.
McKenzie emphasised the importance of moving beyond relying solely on private schools for national team talent and outlined this partnership as a step towards his “Project 300” plan, which aims to send 300 South African athletes to the 2028 Olympics.
“This agreement is a first step in unlocking talent and boosting transformation in sport and the arts.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing the sports landscape in South Africa’s public schools.
“We want to reinvigorate school sport and culture in our… pic.twitter.com/at1ApVVSRo
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) September 4, 2024
“The key to transforming South African sport is to ensure as many schools as possible — from the townships to rural areas and other less fortunate communities — gain access to similar kinds of facilities, coaching and equipment,” McKenzie said.
He added: “This is a historic day, you know I want to thank the minister for how fast she was in making sure we sign this historic agreement today. We want to change this thing where when you’re a privileged child, you get all the equipment and opportunities.
He stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports, arts, and culture, regardless of their financial background.
[Signed and sealed] Ministers Gayton McKenzie and Siviwe Gwarube singed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Highlights, The School Sports Programme, National Youth Camp, South African Schools Debate, and Heritage Education Programme. #InspiringANationOfWinners #SocialCohesion pic.twitter.com/Am4qJ5rigQ
— Kenny Kunene (@Kenny_T_Kunene) September 4, 2024
Gwarube echoed the call for inclusivity in school sports and highlighted the need for all students to have access to the same opportunities, whether they are from affluent or underprivileged areas.
“There are 13.5 million pupils in our schools and they’re all worthy of an opportunity to have sports available in their schools. So, whether you’re from Qwaqwa or Qumbu or Sandton, we want you to have the same amount of opportunities to play sport, to be involved in culture,” said Gwarube.
The agreement also includes plans to build shared facilities accessible to multiple schools and encourages involvement from various sectors, including government, private businesses, and NGOs, to support the initiative.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
