The KwaZulu-Natal Sport, Arts and Culture Department has set aside R40 million from the Mass Participation Conditional Grant for school sports. An additional amount of R10 million will be allocated through the equitable share.
Acting Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloiwhich believes that the total of R50.6 million is insufficient to sustain the three-season National School Sport Programme. They added that additional resources must be committed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
At least 450 schools will be provided with sports equipment and attire which will enable them to conduct sporting activities including encouraging learner participation in school and inter-school leagues and tournaments.
MEC Sithole-Moloi also revealed that 160 sports coordinators will be employed to assist schools to implement their sports programmes. The department will also train school staff to ensure the effective implementation of sports activities.
Training will be provided to 600 educators and volunteers in coaching, technical officiating and team management.
Sithole-Moloi added that support will continue to be given to partnerships with the private sector, including Build-It which will facilitate soccer and netball tournaments.
The programme will involve over 1,750 U13 learners in 12 District Tournaments. Twelve Sport Ambassadors will be involved in the programme. Focus will once more be on the provision of competitions to unearth football talent to participate in the CAF (Confederation of African Football) Schools Football Tournaments in Africa
School sports offer a safe environment for learners to express themselves and have fun while learning critical values including respect, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance.
Learners may also reap the benefits of improved fitness levels, improved self-esteem and reduced stress.