A child in sport is a child out of court – Sports minister after visiting Randfontein
During his recent visit to Randfontein Secondary School in Toekomsrus, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie donated sports equipment and addressed the ongoing issue of gangsterism affecting parts of Randfontein.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and other stakeholders visited Randfontein Secondary School in Toekomsrus to hand over much-needed sports equipment, including attire.
“This initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the School Sport Programme and promote youth participation in sport,” Tebogo Thebehae, the chief director for Active Nation: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said.
He continued that the minister has sponsored sports equipment and attire to more than 73 schools in various areas, including Toekomsrus and Mohlakeng.
McKenzie explained the reason he chose to reach out is due to the effect that gangsterism is having on the community and the youth.
“The gangsters are recruiting children. We need to recruit children and equip them with the things they need to become great. A child in sport is a child out of court,” he said.
@caxton.jhbwest Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, sponsored sports equipment to over 73 schools, including some in Randfontein. #CaxonLocalMedia #Fyp #Journalist #GaytonMckenzie #MinisterofSport #Politician #Randfontein ♬ original sound – Caxton JHB West
He also shared a tale from his youth during the proceedings, explaining he knew a boy who always carried a soccer ball and chose to train instead of joining the rest of the children, including McKenzie, in criminal activities. When McKenzie was in jail, following his arrest, he was watching the Soccer World Cup and saw that same boy playing for Bafana Bafana.
“I took the wrong road, he took the right road,” said McKenzie.
On their next visit, they will look into the state of the swimming pools, stadiums and the community. He also thanked the teachers for their contribution to the lives of young learners and sports players.
Schools from Gauteng North, Gauteng West, Sedibeng West, Johannesburg North, Tshwane South, and Ekurhuleni North will benefit from this outreach. Each recipient school will receive equipment for gymnastics, cricket, tennis, basketball, chess, volleyball and Kho-Kho, an indigenous game, and more.
“The School Sport Programme is a cornerstone and bedrock of sport development in South Africa, thus ensuring that all primary and high school learners have the opportunity to develop their talents and compete at higher levels,” Thebehae continued.
Aside from McKenzie, the stakeholders included the Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, and Culture, Matome Chiloane, and the Rand West City executive mayor, William Matsheke, among others.
*This article was amended after it was published. The article previously stated that the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and other stakeholders visited Toekomsrus Secondary School. The Herald has since been informed that the school was misidentified and is in fact Randfontein Secondary School in Toekomsrus. Apologies for any confusion caused — Ed.
