Limpopo Athletes Forced to Withdraw from SA School Athletics Championship
The Limpopo athletic team was forced to withdraw from the South African Schools Athletics Championship in the final stages due to severe logistical failures, including lack of accommodation and meals.
The week-long championship took place in Bloemfontein, Free State, from April 2 to April 6, 2025.
Learners endured an eight-hour bus journey only to arrive to no arrangements for meals or accommodation.
A Waterberg athlete stated that the team was later told they would be housed on a farm outside the city, but the conditions were so appalling that he chose to sleep on the bus.
One parent, who drove from Pretoria to Bloemfontein after being informed of the conditions.
“I called my son at 21h00 on Wednesday and he told me that they are still in a bus and no food and accommodation has been provided to them.”
She added that on Thursday, April 3, learners bathed at a nearby farm after sleeping hungry in the bus, and by Friday, she found some students crying after being informed they could no longer compete.
Franco Marx, Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson for Sports, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, confirmed numerous complaints from concerned parents, coaches, and educators.
“Some athletes, officials and managers travelling with the athletes allegedly went the entire night without food and had to endure unsafe and undignified conditions after long hours of travel,” he said.
“The situation was so ghastly that some parents had to make the difficult decision to withdraw their children from the National Championship.”
The team’s situation worsened when last-minute accommodation was arranged in Kimberley, over 160 km from the games venue, prompting their official withdrawal.
The DA in Limpopo called on MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Jerry Maseko, to launch an urgent investigation.
“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,” said Marx.
Tjebane Sowell, Limpopo secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), condemned the ordeal.
“We are deeply shocked by the fact that learners had to travel the entire distance from Limpopo to the Free State without being provided meals and refreshments,” Sowell said.
“As if that was not enough, upon arrival in Bloemfontein, learners were subjected to a horrifying experience when they discovered that no accommodation had been arranged for them.”
He further criticized the decision to house the team in Kimberley.
“That arrangement was not only impractical but showed a complete lack of planning and care for our learners.”
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In a statement, Limpopo MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Jerry Maseko, took full responsibility.
“As the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, we take full responsibility. I extend my sincerest apologies to every learner who was looking forward to seeing this opportunity to reach its conclusion. I would also like to extend our apologies to the parents who entrusted us with their children, the dedicated educators and coaches. What happened is unacceptable as learners’ safety and well-being remain a top priority for us as a department.”
The Limpopo Provincial Government strongly condemned the withdrawal and confirmed it has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba expressed outrage.
“We have received outrage from parents and educators alike regarding the deplorable conditions that our learners and team managers faced during what should have been a prestigious event.”
“We cannot tolerate this any further. It is imperative that we conduct a thorough probe to identify the root causes of this situation. Our learners deserve better,” the Premier said, adding that the investigation, involving both the Departments of Education and Sport, Arts and Culture, would be completed within one month.
Democratic Alliance Demands Investigation
Meanwhile, the DA insists that the apology is not enough and continues to demand full accountability. They have submitted formal questions to both MEC Maseko and the MEC for Education, seeking clarity on:
- Who was responsible for the planning failures;
- What disciplinary actions are being taken;
- What corrective steps will be implemented.
“This is not merely a logistical blunder,” said Marx. “It is a severe breach of responsibility that robbed our children of a key opportunity and shaken public trust.”
The number of athletes who withdrew remains unknown, but Limpopo had initially sent a team of 120 to participate. The incident has undoubtedly impacted the morale and performance of the young athletes.
The DA pledged to continue advocating for sport development that supports and uplifts Limpopo’s youth, stating: “They deserve more than apologies. They deserve answers and justice.”