Wimbledon champ donates sports court to Letaba School
Wheelchair tennis champ, Kgothatso Montjane, hands over a new multi-purpose sports court, empowering learners with disabilities to stay active and inspired.
LIMPOPO – Wimbledon wheelchair tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane officially handed over a brand-new multi-purpose sports court to Letaba Special School, located outside Tzaneen, on Friday, August 1.
Montjane was joined at the official opening by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and Limpopo MEC for Sport Jerry Maseko. The school caters to learners with physical disabilities, many of whom use wheelchairs or crutches for mobility.
Montjane told the Herald that the idea for the court was born earlier this year after a conversation with the school’s principal, Dr Tinyiko Shingange. “I asked her if the learners had access to a tennis court to help them stay active, and when she told me they didn’t, I knew I had to do something,” said Montjane. Through her non-profit organisation, the Montjane Sports Development Foundation, she made it her mission to provide the facility.
“For me, it’s about leaving a legacy,” Montjane said. “This court isn’t just for competitive sport; it’s about giving these learners a chance to move, to play, and to live an active lifestyle, which is important for everyone. I’m grateful for the government’s collaboration and honoured that the minister and MEC could be part of this project.”
Shingange thanked Montjane for her support. “It is humbling to see a world-class athlete return to give back to the underprivileged. This court offers an opportunity for learners who may not excel academically to shine in sport. Who knows, maybe the next Montjane will come from this school.”
The day’s celebrations began with a fun walk, which both the minister and the MEC joined before the formal proceedings kicked off.
