The DA in Limpopo calls on Limpopo MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Jerry Maseko, to urgently investigate and account for the alleged shameful treatment of young athletes representing our province at the South African Schools Athletics Championship currently taking place in Bloemfontein.
We have received numerous reports from concerned parents that athletes and their coaches were seemingly forced to sleep on buses overnight due to the complete failure by the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to secure proper accommodation and make adequate logistical arrangements. Some children and managers allegedly went the entire night without food and had to endure unsafe and undignified conditions after long hours of travel.
The situation was so dire that some parents have taken the difficult decision to withdraw some Limpopo athletes from the tournament, citing the need to prioritise the safety and well-being of our learners — a decision we fully support under these circumstances.
It is incomprehensible that the same group of athletes who were already subjected to appalling conditions during their training camp, where they reportedly had neither accommodation nor meals, were again left to fend for themselves en route to a national competition meant to showcase their talent and potential.
This is not just a logistical failure; it is a betrayal of our province’s young people. It robs them of opportunities and reflects ineptitude and a systemic lack of care and planning by those entrusted with supporting sport development in Limpopo.
We call on MEC Maseko to launch a full investigation and ensure disciplinary consequences for all the officials involved. Our athletes deserve better, not only words of encouragement when they win medals, but consistent support and care behind the scenes.
Enough is enough. The dreams and dignity of Limpopo’s youth cannot continue to be trampled on by administrative incompetence. The DA is committed to supporting sport development that nurtures young athletes.