The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Department of Education had to fulfil the promises made since 1994 that politicians had to come up with a focused approach to the organisation, management and coordination of school sport.
The MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Eastern Cape, Xoliswa Tom said the time had come for politicians to develop a clear target orientated capacity building programme for educators, coaches and community volunteers.
Speaking to some 200 delegates at a Schools Sport Indaba at Mphekweni, near Port Alfred on the Eastern Cape Coast, Tom said it was also important that learners are afforded opportunities for mass participation in sport. This programme also had to promote healthy life practices, mutual respect and learner opportunities.
But Tom warned delegates that “turf battles” between Department of Sport and Recreation officials and Department of Education officials had not helped to improve the situation in schools sport especially in previously disadvantaged communities.
“As government we appeal to all those with personal agendas and ambitions to refrain from such practices. It is high time that we always keep our roles and responsibilities in mind.”
She called on officials to facilitate and create a conducive environment for the delivery of quality school sport programmes. Tom also said it was important for educators to organise, coordinate and manage school sport programmes and teams.
“If we always adhere to these objectives no one will encroach into a territory that is not meant for him or her,” she told delegates who packed into the main hall at Mphekweni Resort from Thursday to Saturday.
Before officially declaring the indaba open on Thursday, Tom pointed out that programmes were under resourced and that it had become clear that government could not “walk it alone”. The support of the private sector was desperately needed as well as support from the National Lottery.
“It is through these programmes that champions are born,” she said.
Contact:
Malehlohonolo Mlabateki
Cell: 082 925 8660
Malibongwe Mtima
Cell: 084 842 7872
Issued by: Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
19 February 2010
