Addressing different sports associations and federations this morning at the Capital Hotel in Mbombela, MEC Majuba emphasized the need for all stakeholders to move with the necessary impetus towards the realization of the Wednesday School Sport Days and he said :
"We wish to extend our genuine gratitude to each and every one of you for taking the time to attend this meeting.
Your presence today reflects your intent and commitment to the growth, development and establishment of the Wednesday School Sport in our Province.
We have called this meeting with the hope that we can advance this concept of Wednesday Schools Sport from the boardroom to our schools’ sporting fields.
It is imperative that we recall the instrumental role, sports play in the holistic development of our learners and the overall wellbeing of the community.
Today, we gather to express a shared determination to resuscitate and transform schools’ sports from a dream into a vibrant reality on our school fields.
We have seen that the realisation of this dream has to be a product of broad consultation, bringing everyone on board and evoke mass participation in school’s sport.
Such a product needs to be aligned to the legal framework that governs the day to day running of schools and it must not be seen as an added responsibility but an integral part of the schooling agenda.
Our view is that Schools Sports must happen naturally especially to the poorest communities so that it could serve as a vehicle for sports career as well as the creation and fostering of a healthy life style.
Our success in this does not need to be only based and influenced by the availability of budget allocation, it must be school based and community driven.
Notwithstanding the fact that there needs to be proper infrastructure to enable this realisation, children must be able to play and showcase their talents in any organised and well managed space.
Nelson Mandela once said,
"Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sport can create hope where there was once only despair."
These words echo the very essence of our vision and mission with regards to schools’ sports.
We understand that sports transcend mere physical activity to foster good health and social cohesion.
It is a vessel where collaboration, discipline, and resilience are forged which are qualities that the Mpumalanga Youth desperately needs.
Just like we always witness athletes from Kenya conquering the world stage, schools in Mpumalanga can be ignited to harness sports' magic to empower our learners.
It is our turn to re-write Mpumalanga's Schools Sports success story.
Imagine, underprivileged children in the rural areas of Nkomazi, Marapyeane, Mkhondo or Daggakraal, discovering their hidden talents and showcasing it at the world stage for all to marvel.
Picture a future Bafana Bafana Captain like “Ronwen Williams" and Amabokoboko Captain, Siya Kolisi, emerging from the heart of our communities and their dreams and fortunes being rekindled by the opportunity that you as a collective, are creating today.
Nelson Mandela also said, "Every child is born with the ability to learn and progress."
Let's unlock that potential.
The reality is that social ills have made their way into our communities and schools, Nyaope's dark grip on our youth is a stark reality.
But instead of despair, let's offer an alternative through the exhilarating world of sports as stated by the great tennis star, Billie Jean King who endured hardships and all odds to become a champion;
“Sport teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels to win and lose- it teaches you about life.”
This Wednesday School Sports is more than just a competition; it's a beacon of hope, a chance to break free from societal ills. It is an investment into the future, in torchbearers who will illuminate their communities.
Let us, therefore, prioritize this endeavor with unwavering commitment.
Let our collective energy, expertise, and resources be synergized to make this vision a reality.
Together, we can unleash the transformative power of sports and empower the next generation of South African champions.
We are certain that everyone present here can attest that sport is not merely about the physical activity, it is about instilling values such as collaboration, discipline and resilience.
We can therefore unanimously agree that these are character traits that ought to be imparted on young people so that they can be champions not only in sport but in life.
The resuscitation and introduction of Wednesday School Sport is an opportunity that must not fail in our hands.
As a collective in this room, we must guarantee the involvement and participation of every stakeholder, Sports Associations, Sport Federation, Business Community, Traditional Leadership, Ward Committees and so on, towards the success of this Programme.
There is a lot of unearthed talent sitting idly in our classrooms, let us work together to bring it to light.
We implore you all to prioritize this programme, let us harness our collective energy, expertise and resources to bring this vision to life.
I thank you.