MEC of Cultural Affairs, Sports and Recreation Visits 17 Year Old Paralysed in Rugby Match | Western Cape Government

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MEC of Cultural Affairs, Sports and Recreation Visits 17 Year Old Paralysed in Rugby Match

6 July 2009
3 July 2009

The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Minister Sakkie Jenner, today visited the 17 year old Donovan Botha, who was injured in a rugby match at the weekend.

The 17 year old Montague High School learner was playing club rugby against Ceres United at the weekend, when he was tackled, and landed on his head.

He was transported to the Tygerberg Hospital at the weekend, where he underwent a 10 hour operation on his neck. But according to hospital officials, this was merely to lessen his pain.

'Events such as these once again put a damper on what the Western Cape Department of Sport and Recreation is trying to do. It is saddening that the rugby career of this young player, who had the potential to go very far in the sport, was terminated in such a manner,' says Minister Jenner.

'As the Department, we are the trying to create as much opportunity as possible for young people to participate in sport, but yet the onus remains on sports men and women to create a safe environment, where sports can thrive.'

'Sporting federations remain the custodians of sport and this department will continue to assist them in fulfilling their mandate of growing and developing their sport, to the benefit of all the sport loving people of the Western Cape.'

Jenner adds 'my department wants to assist this family as far as possible, and we are establishing a fund to try and help the family financially. After discussions with the Doctors at Tygerberg, it's clear that this family has an uphill battle ahead of them, with Donovan needing life long care.'

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Angus Flowers
Media Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Western Cape
Mobile: 083 304 3320
Tel: 021 483 9800