School sport to be re-introduced
R48,6-million has been set-aside for the implementation of school sport
KZN MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Hlengiwe Mavimbela has announced that the implementation of the Integrated Strategic Framework for School Sport, which seeks to re-introduce sport, arts, and culture programmes in schools, has been finalised.
Mavimbela made this announcement last week Tuesday during her 2022/ 23 budget speech.
‘The framework has been approved by Cabinet and will be implemented as a blueprint in 2022/23. The framework compels educators, coaches, and community volunteers to deliver quality and effective programmes for school sport, arts, and culture.
‘This will include the availability of infrastructure for learners to access these activities and programmes, as well as setting aside a day every week for sport and art activities for all schools.
‘The successful implementation of the framework will accelerate the transformation of society by addressing past imbalances and creating opportunities for learners to showcase their talent,’ she said.
Mavimbela further explained that despite the challenges facing school sports, including the suspension of sport in schools, she was excited by the exploits of the Edendale Technical High School Girls under 16 team.
‘The team represented South Africa in the pilot CAF Girls Under 16 PAN African Football Championships in the Democratic Republic of Congo, emerging as runner-up, losing 1-0 to Morocco in the Final.
‘Five players from the team: Aphelele Mhlengi, Nonzuzo Buthelezi, Amahle Sishi, Asanda Mchunu, and Olwethu Sishi were included in SAFA’s
National Under 17 Camp. ‘The KZN School Sports Team also emerged in the second position overall at the National Swimming Championships in
Pretoria and won seven medals at the National Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Germiston recently.
‘In 2022/23, a total of
R48,6-million has been set-aside for the implementation of school sport, of which R38,9-million is from the Mass Participation Conditional Grant with the department also allocating an additional R9,7-million through the equitable share.
‘This budget will, however, not be sufficient to sustain provision of equipment to 432 schools, support for 50 school sport structures, capacity building of 550 educators and volunteers and to participate in district, provincial and national competitions in the Winter, Summer, and Autumn School Sport Championships,’ she concluded.
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