Minister Anroux Marais celebrates Team Western Cape for historic wins

On Friday, 10 March 2023, Minister Anroux Marais and senior officials from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) hosted an appreciation event to congratulate Team Western Cape who achieved first place finishes at the Winter and Summer Championships last year. This was the first time in history that the Western Cape teams reached first place finishes in either of these tournaments.

Viwe Mbata, a former team member of Team Western Cape, shared a video message to thank DCAS for the support that was given to him as an athlete coming through the school sport structures and shared the news that he has been selected for the National Senior Men’s Hockey team at the age of 19.

Dr Lyndon Bouah, Chief Director of Sport and Recreation, shared a message on behalf of Brent Walters, Director-General for the Department of Education. He emphasized the value of partnerships between departments in supporting this participation and congratulated the team for reaching the milestones of these historic victories.

Minister Marais said: “To all the athletes, coaches, technical officials and support staff who worked together last year to helped the teams to this incredible achievement – congratulations and thank you. Thank you for putting in the long hours, the hard work and for making positive choices to ensure you can follow your passion but also to be role-models to others in your community. You have made the Western Cape extremely proud and I want to commend you for all you have done.”

Letsatsi, the mascot for the Netball World Cup 2023, also made a surprise appearance at the event and helped to bring excitement for the upcoming tournament.

DCAS will continue to support our young athletes to access opportunities to compete at these kind of tournaments to grow their sporting talent.