Western Cape Government launches School Sport Strategy backed by R130m investment
Today, the Western Cape Government officially launched the Western Cape School Sport Strategy, supported by a R130 million allocation over three years. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening school sport as a pathway for learner development, social cohesion, and opportunity across the province.
The launch, held at the Lavender Hill Shared Facility, was led by the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, in partnership with the Provincial Minister of Education, David Maynier, and was attended by the National Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube as well as various community leaders and private sector partners.
The Strategy provides a clear framework to improve coordination between stakeholders, expand access to sporting opportunities, and ensure that school sport serves as a sustainable platform for holistic youth development: from the playground to provincial, national, and international levels.
The Western Cape School Sport Strategy is a practical prevention pillar of the Western Cape Government’s broader Safety Plan. The Safety Plan recognises that prevention is as important as enforcement, particularly when it comes to children and young people. Structured, regular sport plays a critical role in keeping young people safe, engaged and supported.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Mackenzie emphasised the importance of connecting talent with opportunity:
“School sport is not an event - it is a pathway. This Strategy ensures that talent, regardless of where a learner comes from, is identified, supported, and given room to grow. When we remove barriers, we open doors for young people to reach their full potential.”
As part of the programme, the Western Cape Government also honoured Western Cape athletes who were crowned overall champions at the 2025 South African National School Sport Championships, recognising excellence, discipline, and perseverance.
Provincial Minister of Education David Maynier highlighted the role of sport in learner development.
“Sport plays a critical role in building confident, resilient learners who are more engaged in school and in their communities. Importantly, we will have a clear development pathway to nurture talented learners and drive sporting excellence in the Western Cape.”
National Minister Gwarube’s attendance underscored the importance of alignment between provincial and national priorities in advancing school sport as a vehicle for youth development and social upliftment. The Minister said:
“I want to commend Provincial Minister Mackenzie and the Western Cape Government for demonstrating bold leadership through this investment. By committing significant resources to school sport infrastructure, coaching, equipment, leagues and learner participation programmes, the province is setting a standard that shows what is possible when we prioritise the full development of our learners.”
The Western Cape School Sport Strategy reinforces government’s commitment to safe access to sport and the creation of structured pathways that allow learners to progress and succeed beyond school level.
Media Enquiries:
Ross Michaels
Media Liaison Officer to the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 073 157 5937