SEDIBENG.- In the heart of every community, where the beat of the drum meets the silence of the morning run, lies the untapped potential of sports, arts, and culture. These are not merely activities for leisure or entertainment; they are the very fabric that can knit together the soul of a nation, fostering personal development, nation-building, and yes, even putting food on the table.
Consider the journey of a young athlete, whose days start before dawn, fuelled by dreams not just of glory, but of a life transformed through discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Sports, in its essence, is more than competition; it’s a school of life, teaching lessons on perseverance, health, and the sheer joy of pushing one’s limits.
Yet, for many in our townships and suburbs, sports such as horse riding, golf, or mountain climbing seem a world away. The narrative often excludes them from these “white man sports,” perpetuating a cycle of exclusion and lost opportunities.
In the quest to bring sports and recreation closer to the heart of our townships and suburbs, a glaring truth emerges, casting a long shadow over our intentions. The narrative of exclusion, deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society, finds its roots not just in perceptions and access but in the very land upon which we seek to play and grow.
The legacy of apartheid’s spatial planning continues to haunt us, with much of the land required for sports such as horse riding, golf, and mountain climbing remaining firmly in the hands of a privileged few. This stark reality perpetuates a cycle where the so-called “white man sports” remain distant dreams for many, with land ownership directly influencing who gets to participate and excel in these activities.
What has worsened this challenge is the state of our existing sports facilities and infrastructure in the township. Many of the fields, courts, and tracks once busy with the energy of aspiring athletes now stand as neglected monuments to a past era. Soccer fields overgrown with weeds with falling posts, running tracks cracked and forgotten, these spaces no longer serve their communities but rather stand as stark reminders of neglect.
The dilapidation of these facilities not only mirrors the physical decay but also reflects a deeper neglect of the aspirations and talents of those who live beyond the perimeters of well-maintained fields and gyms. This unfortunate reality underscores a double exclusion from the world of sport: not only are township and rural residents sidelined from “white man sports” due to spatial and economic disparities, but they are also deprived of the very spaces where they might have shone in more accessible sports, leaving a void where there should have been vibrancy, inclusion, and opportunity.
Our mission, then, must be to bridge this gap, to democratize access to all sports, ensuring every child can dare to dream of swinging a golf club or riding a horse against the backdrop of a setting sun.
The transformation must also touch the arts, where the underappreciation of artists has long been a silent tragedy. The film industry, with its potential to employ thousands, remains stifled, not for lack of talent, but for lack of support and investment. The vibrant street dancer, the budding filmmaker, the imaginative playwright—all seek a stage on which to shine, a stage we must build together.
Our townships should echo with the laughter of audiences in cinemas, the applause in theatres, and the chatter in art galleries. It’s time to reclaim the narrative, to celebrate our stories, our history, and our culture in every form, from the written word to the painted canvas.
To truly revitalize sports in our townships and rural areas, we must embark on a comprehensive plan that not only mends but transforms our dilapidated sports infrastructure into hubs of excellence and community engagement. The first step involves the reconstruction and modernisation of sports facilities, ensuring they are safe, accessible, and equipped to meet the needs of a wide range of sports activities. This includes not just the physical refurbishment of fields, courts, and tracks, but also the installation of modern amenities that cater to athletes and spectators alike.
Employing qualified coaches is critical. These individuals should be skilled not just in sports techniques, but in mentoring and leadership, capable of nurturing the physical and psychological well-being of young athletes. Furthermore, integrating sports programs into school curricula can foster a culture of physical fitness and competition from an early age, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of active participation in sports.
Community tournaments should be revitalized, serving as focal points for local talent to showcase their skills, foster community spirit, and ignite rivalries that can propel athletes to higher levels of performance. Support mechanisms for talented individuals must be put in place to help them compete in international tournaments, providing both exposure and experience on global platforms.
Finally, creating viable pathways for athletes to pursue sports professionally is essential. This involves not just providing training and competitive opportunities but also financial support and guidance in managing careers. By doing so, we can ensure that sports become a viable means of expression and a sustainable way to earn a living, transforming dreams into tangible success.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the tales of Shaka Zulu remind us of the power of culture, neatly packaged and presented to the world. They show us the potential of arts and sports to not just entertain but to educate, unite, and inspire. They demonstrate how culture, when nurtured, can indeed put food on the table, spread a message of uniqueness, and sow the seeds of hope for the future.
Let us, therefore, take deliberate steps towards this vision. Let’s build those sports facilities, train our coaches, empower our artists, and celebrate our culture. In doing so, we do more than just entertain or exercise; we build a nation, strong, proud, and united in its diversity.
*Isaac Khithika is the EFF Sedibeng Regional Chairperson, these are his opinions.
