Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, handed over a multipurpose sports court at Nkgonyeletse Senior Secondary School in Mmalegasane Village in Lebowakgomo, in Limpopo Province on 3 September 2021.

The occasion was made possible owing to a tripartite partnership of the Professional Soccer League of South Africa (PSL), Nedbank and the winners of the 2021 Nedbank Cup, Marumo Gallants. The innovative rules of the 2021 Nedbank Cup allow the winning team to select a school within their municipal borders to receive a multipurpose sports court. Limpopo Education MEC, Ms Polly Boshielo, Limpopo Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, Ms Thandi Moraka, PSL Chairperson, Dr Irvin Khoza and Nedbank Group Executive, Ms Khensani Nobanda were in attendance. 

“As the basic education sector and Government as a whole, we commend this partnership that seeks to uplift our communities. Through the sports facilities building programme and partnerships like these, we intend to reclaim the importance of sport both as a societal issue and an educational tool within a developmental state. Sport has a significant impact on the socio-economic and political processes of any modern society, said Minister Motshekga.

“We have realised that sport is, in fact, an integral part of a child’s development. In this regard, we have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture to implement an Integrated School Sport Framework. This framework aims to promote mass participation in school sport and physical activities that are aimed at enriching the curriculum. We believe that sports and recreation play an essential role in the holistic development of a child. Furthermore, we recognise the value of school sport and physical education to provide the foundations necessary for the holistic development of our learners. Participation in sport has many important benefits. Sport can unite people, build families and encourage communities. Physical exercise balances body, mind and spirit,” the Minister added.

In conclusion, Minister Motshekga expressed her appreciation to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for their continued support. “We are inspired by Nedbank’s vision to help unlock the potential of our young people through sport. Their support and contribution to the School Sports Programme is highly appreciated”.