Government plans to develop school sports

The department of sports and recreation is devising a plan to put schools at the centre of sports development in the country, Minister Fikile Mbalula said on Monday.

“Are there schools feeding into our nation teams?” Mbalula asked media in Johannesburg.

“We are looking at defining a blueprint for school sports development. We will be collaborating with the department of basic education in our immediate task of reviving school sports in rural areas and townships.”

Mbalula said teachers who specialised in sports would be given training to develop the country’s sport.

The department was looking at hosting a “mini Olympics” for schools.

“This is a campaign we have embarked on as we believe the future of the South African youth lies in positioning schools as incubators and nurseries for talented and professional sports persons.”

He also highlighted the vital role of community sports for development and personal growth.

About a hundred multi-purpose centres would be built in rural communities countrywide.

He said his department was in talks with the Congress of South African Traditional Leaders (Contralesa) to build these centres.

“We are reviewing all available funding mechanisms from our own budget, private sector investment and international donor funding to escalate the delivery of infrastructure and facilities in our community.”

Mbalula was speaking at a planning workshop aimed at giving direction to the sports sector on policy issues as captured in the draft white paper.—Sapa