The DA in Limpopo demands full accountability for all involved in the shameful withdrawal of Limpopo athletes from the SA Schools Championship held in Bloemfontein. We also welcome the apology issued by MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Jerry Maseko, and the commitment by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to institute a full investigation within one month.
This commitment follows the DA’s urgent call last weekend for an investigation into the unacceptable treatment of Limpopo athletes after receiving multiple complaints from distraught parents — a call that has now been heeded by the provincial government.
While we acknowledge the apology, it is not enough, this incident is not merely a logistical blunder, it is a severe breach of responsibility. Young athletes were allegedly left without food or accommodation, forced to sleep on buses, and placed at risk due to a complete failure by the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The DA will now submit questions to both MEC Maseko and the MEC for Education, requesting specific information on:
· Which officials or individuals were responsible for the planning failures;
· What disciplinary steps have been or will be taken against them;
· What immediate corrective measures are being implemented to prevent a recurrence.
We further demand that the findings of the investigation be made public and that disciplinary outcomes follow swiftly where wrongdoing is confirmed.
This debacle has robbed our children of a key opportunity to shine on the national stage and has shaken public trust. They deserve more than apologies, they deserve answers and justice.
The DA remains committed to defending the rights and dignity of Limpopo’s youth and will continue to fight for sport development that empowers, not abandons, our learners.