Limpopo athletes withdraw at national championships
Learners from Limpopo were forced to withdraw from the 2025 National Schools Sports Championships Games in Bloemfontein due to the failure by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo to provide food and accommodation.
The Autumn Games took place at the Free State Stadium from 02- 05 April 2025 but some athletes and their coaches from the province were forced to sleep on buses overnight due to the failure to secure proper accommodation and make adequate logistical arrangements.
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Some children and managers allegedly went the entire night without food and had to endure unsafe and undignified conditions after long hours of travel. The situation resulted in some parents from Limpopo deciding to withdraw the learners.
Limpopo MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Jerry Maseko, has since issued a heartfelt apology to the affected learners, parents, and teachers.
“As the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, we take full responsibility. I extend my sincerest apologies to every learner who was looking forward to seeing this opportunity to reach its conclusion,” said MEC Maseko.
“I would also like to extend our apologies to the parents who entrusted us with their children, the dedicated educators and coaches. What happened is unacceptable as learners’ safety and well-being remain a top priority for us as a department,” he added.
“The necessary steps to remedy the situation will be implemented based on the outcome of the investigations to be conducted.”
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Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie is also seeking answers over the incident.
“It’s sadly true that learners were not given food, I’m absolutely livid,” McKenzie said on X.
“I will have answers before the end of the day, provisions for meals and accommodation is standard at these events. We will also make public the amount that was given for food and accommodation.”
