Weekly sport back in Limpopo schools after six years
An agreement between two departments comes with a renewed focus on improving participation and the quality of sports facilitation, particularly for underprivileged learners.
POLOKWANE – Weekly sports activities are set to make a return to public schools across Limpopo, thanks to an agreement signed by key government stakeholders.
After nearly six years of inactivity, the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture and the Department of Education have finalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to revive and enhance sports programmes in schools.
The MoU was signed last Wednesday by Jerry Maseko, MEC for Sport, and Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, MEC for Education.
This agreement comes with a renewed focus on improving participation and the quality of sports facilitation, particularly for underprivileged learners.
An allocation of over R2.6m is earmarked for special schools, while more than R24.2m will be distributed among ordinary schools. Currently, only 427 out of approximately 3 000 schools in the province are involved in sports programmes, with the majority being former model C schools. The MoU highlights the need for broader participation and improvement in this area.
To address this, the agreement includes plans to train teachers through coaching courses. Conditional grants will support various sports, including soccer, chess, netball, gymnastics, hockey, and more.
Funds have also been allocated for equipment, though infrastructure improvements are still under discussion.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about low participation rates and a lack of interest among learners.
In response, the MoU outlines specific funding allocations aimed at increasing participation in public schools:
• Training: R2.344m.
• Equipment and attire: R4.669m.
• District and provincial competitions: R9.104m.
• Sport ambassador programme: R700 000.
• Coordinators’ remuneration: R3.268m.
• Support for schools participating in school sport programme: R3.268m.
• Ring-fenced school sport championships: R5m.
This comprehensive funding plan aims to boost sports participation, enhance facilities, and support the development of young athletes across Limpopo.
