Uniting for the Future: The School Sport Indaba in Kempton Park

The South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, under the guidance of Honourable Minister Zizi Kodwa, is hosting the School Sport Indaba on September 14th and 15th, 2023. The event will take place at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre in Kempton Park and aims to unite over 30 organizations representing teacher unions, sports federations, international bodies, and governments. The theme of the gathering is “School Sport, the bedrock of sport development: Shaping up discussions for the formation of future ambassadors for excellent performance results ahead”, and it seeks to create a benchmarked national program for South African school sport.

Cohesion in the School Sport Sector

The School Sport Indaba seeks to bring cohesion to the school sport sector and develop a benchmarked national program for South Africa by drawing inspiration from the most effective school sport programs globally. This collaborative approach will strengthen the government’s focus on grassroots sports development by identifying and nurturing sporting talent early, laying strong foundations for future sporting success.

Creating a Blueprint for South African School Sport

The two-day event is an opportunity to create a blueprint for South African school sport. The Indaba will facilitate discussions and deliberations on various aspects of sport, including the roles of the government, sports federations, and educational institutions in fostering and supporting young talent. This collaborative approach is essential in creating a sustainable sporting culture that promotes excellence and recognizes the potential of future sporting stars.

Media Opportunities

As part of the event, the media will have the opportunity to hear from an array of influential figures in sports and education. Interviews will be conducted with delegates, including Minister Zizi Kodwa, Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu, and sports personalities and legends during their arrival and registration. The media will capture the opening remarks of the Minister, Deputy Minister, selected sports personalities, experts, and legends. On the second day, a media briefing sit-down with Minister Kodwa, Deputy Minister Mafu will outline the objectives, outcomes, deliberations, and the way forward on the School Sport Indaba.

A Turning Point for South African School Sport

The School Sport Indaba promises to be a significant turning point for South African school sport. By unifying different stakeholders and creating a shared vision, South Africa can develop a robust and sustainable school sport infrastructure, ensuring a bright future for its athletes. The success of events like the School Sport Indaba will enable young talents to reach their full potential and become ambassadors for excellence in South African sport.