On 16 March 2022, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport was informed by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) that the National School Sport Championship, scheduled for the weekend of 18-21 March 2022, has been cancelled.
While we appreciate the context of the decision, it has been a disheartening announcement for us as the provincial department, but especially so for the athletes and support staff who have been preparing for this event. The decision by DSAC to cancel this event was based on the advisory note issued by National Treasury on 25 February and 3 March 2022 regarding the suspension of the Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2017. This has led to DSAC suspending their procurement activities, pending further advice, over which the Western Cape province has no control.
Minister Anroux Marais said, “While our provincial department has not incurred any fruitless expenditure due to the cancellation, there are greater losses which cannot be quantified in monetary terms, but which will be profoundly felt by those we are here to serve: our young athletes and their support base. We know that sport administrators, managers, coaches, educators, children and parents have put in many hours of preparation and funds that are not always available to get to this moment. This is a huge disappointment to all those who have eagerly been refining their skills and talents to compete at a national level and did all they could to proudly represent the Western Cape by participating in this national event”.
Head of Department, Mr. Guy Redman said, “We understand the frustration and disappointment that many are feeling after the announcement by national DSAC. We are also disheartened to have had to inform our athletes and support staff of the cancellation at such short notice. Our department remains committed to supporting our young athletes in order to help them develop their skills and talents. We will continue engaging with DSAC to establish how we can ensure that future events do go ahead and a cancellation of such an important national event is communicated more timeously in future”.
Tania Colyn
Head of Communications
076 093 4913