The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of promoting access to sports and culture programmes in schools, particularly those in rural, township, and underprivileged areas.

McKenzie and Gwarube both emphasized that every child, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to excel in sport and arts.

McKenzie says the agreement is a vital first step in unlocking talent and boosting transformation in both sport and the arts.

“The key to transforming South African sport is to ensure that as many schools as possible – from the townships to rural areas and other less fortunate communities – gain access to similar kinds of facilities, coaching and equipment. For too long, South Africa’s national teams have relied on private schools as talent feeders, which, while valuable, does not represent the full potential of this country.”

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to implement school sports and arts programmes throughout the country.

It also envisions an approach where facilities are built in such a manner that numerous schools will be able to benefit from them and share them.

The agreement will encourage partners from every sector of South African society to get involved and play a vital role to ensure all young South Africans have access to these extracurricular programmes.

The Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie has welcomed the national MoU.

”This MOU enables us to move forward with speed to revitalise school sport in the Western Cape. We are on a mission to increase access to sport and recreation activities for young people. These programmes ignite confidence, passion and potential in children, helping to set them up to succeed.”

The province already runs so-called MOD (Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth) programmes in 181 schools, employing 362 contract coaches and providing equipment for after-school sport and recreation activities.