Photo for illustration. (Photo: Serghei Trofimov/Unsplash)
There is deep concern and disappointment over the postponement of the national school sports championship that was to take place this week in Rustenburg, North West.
The championship was to be held from 8 to 12 April at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, but has since been postponed. TimesLive reports Dr. Cynthia Khumalo, director general of the national department of sports, arts and culture, announced in a circular last week that the event is being postponed.
“Unfortunately, we have to postpone the championship due to the unavailability of the Royal Bafokeng Stadium,” she wrote, adding: “We note that all provinces have already made arrangements for accommodation, transport and other (essential) logistics. Provinces will be obliged to cease all logistical arrangements until the date and place are confirmed.”
Joe McGluwa, chairman of the portfolio committee on sport, arts and culture, meanwhile said the delay was unacceptable. He says a venue is the first thing that needs to be fixed before proceeding with any arrangements.
“This reflects a failure of basic planning and due diligence. The unavailability of the stadium was foreseeable and avoidable, but despite that, counties were instructed to proceed with procurement and logistical arrangements. As a result, counties have already incurred significant costs for accommodation, transportation and contractual obligations – costs that are now leading to financial losses and reputational damage.”
Communities, learners and educators have made arrangements in good faith and this is the time athletes look forward to every year, only to be let down by poor planning, says McGluwa.
“When planning breaks down on this scale, it undermines the purpose of national championships. Accountability is needed. We demand a full explanation of how this failure occurred, immediate clarity on revised dates and venue, and a concrete plan to compensate counties for the financial damage already incurred.”
This failure is not about logistics – it is about respect for our youth, our educators and our communities, says McGluwa.