Share

SA’s sport future faces major challenge as only 10% of schools offer sport

Only 10% of schools offer organised sport, a “catastrophic” drawback for the future of sport in the country.

This was the warning from Dr Willie Basson, secretary of the Eminent Persons Group that monitors transformation in sport.

Basson told Parliament yesterday that, should this figure not increase to at least 25% of the 25 000 primary and secondary schools in the country, it would undermine transformation objectives.

According to Basson, this was a major obstacle for transformation objectives.

“We face a catastrophic turning point,” he said.

Basson was addressing the portfolio committee on sports and recreation, and laid the blame at the door of the departments of sport and basic education.

According to Basson, 84 % of youth under the age of 18 were black.

“We can not develop 84% [of the country’s pupils] with only 10% of all schools. This is a strategic weakness that needs attention.”

Traditionally, he said, teachers were the driving force behind school sport.

“[Teachers] say they are not paid for coaching sport, and all the changes in the syllabus have increased their workload. The departments of sport and of basic education will have to do something.”

Basson said that most sports federations still did not fully understand the charter of transformation in sport.

He suggested penalties for sports federations that did not apply the memorandums of agreements on transformation, for example, that they would not be allowed to represent the country in international events.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE