The Western Cape Government has unveiled an ambitious School Sport Strategy, cementing its commitment to enhancing learner development, promoting social cohesion, and unlocking opportunities for youth throughout the province, reports Cape {town} Etc.
With a substantial investment of R130 million allocated over three years, the initiative aims to create a more structured and accessible framework for school sports.
Launched at the Lavender Hill Shared Facility, the event brought together key figures, including Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, Provincial Minister of Education, David Maynier, and National Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube.
The Western Cape School Sport Strategy is designed to improve coordination among stakeholders, ensuring that school sport can act as a sustainable platform for holistic youth development.
The framework encompasses a clear pathway for learners, guiding them from grassroots participation to potential representation at provincial, national, and even international levels.
Central to the initiative is its role as a prevention pillar within the Western Cape Government’s broader Safety Plan. This innovative approach acknowledges the vital role of structured sport in keeping children and teenagers safe and engaged, especially in communities facing socio-economic challenges.
Mackenzie, in his address, highlighted the transformative potential of this strategy. ‘School sport is not an event – it is a pathway. This Strategy ensures that talent, regardless of where a learner comes from, is identified, supported, and given room to grow. When we remove barriers, we open doors for young people to reach their full potential,’ he stated.
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The launch also celebrated the success of local talent, as the Western Cape Government honoured athletes who were crowned overall champions at the 2025 South African National School Sport Championships.
Provincial Minister of Education David Maynier emphasised the developmental aspects of sport. ‘Sport plays a critical role in building confident, resilient learners who are more engaged in school and in their communities. Importantly, we will have a clear development pathway to nurture talented learners and drive sporting excellence in the Western Cape,’ he noted.
Gwarube’s attendance speaks volumes about the significance placed on aligning provincial and national priorities.
Commending the efforts of the Provincial Government, Gwarube said, ‘I want to commend Provincial Minister Mackenzie and the Western Cape Government for demonstrating bold leadership through this investment. By committing significant resources to school sport infrastructure, coaching, equipment, leagues, and learner participation programmes, the province is setting a standard that shows what is possible when we prioritise the full development of our learners,’
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Picture: WCG
Source: WCG
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