The Ministry of Sports and Arts is taking decisive steps to reintegrate school sports into Botswanaโs education system, aiming for full implementation by April 2025.ย
Speaking in a post-budget interview this week, Minister Jacob Kelebeng revealed that consultations with key stakeholders, particularly teachersโ unions, are underway to ensure a smooth transition.
School sports were suspended in March 2020 due to budgetary constraints, initially as a temporary measure. However, the prolonged hiatus has cast a shadow over Botswanaโs sporting legacy.
โTeachers are the most important stakeholders,โ Kelebeng emphasised.ย
โWe cannot implement school sports without their involvement, which is why discussions with teachersโ unions are a priority.โ
The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, previously responsible for school sports, will reclaim its mandate, supported by the Ministry of Sports and Arts (MOSA), the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Health, and private sector partners.
Although Kelebeng refrained from setting specific targets, he expressed confidence that progress would be made this month. โIf all goes according to plan, school sports will return in April,โ he stated.
The revival of school sports is expected to play a crucial role in nurturing young athletes, fostering talent development, and promoting healthy lifestyles among Botswanaโs youth.
Kelebeng also reaffirmed the Ministryโs commitment to resolving disputes within the sports sector, particularly regarding the Golden Grand Prix, a high-profile athletics event. He confirmed that the eventโs rights would be restored to its original organiser, Glody Dube.
โWe have engaged all stakeholders, and there is consensus that the event should return to him,โ Kelebeng stated. โHe is the rightful owner, and there is no reason to withhold our support.โ
The Golden Grand Prix, organised by Golden Door Sports Agency, has faced operational challenges in recent years. Kelebeng assured that the Ministry would step in when necessary to safeguard Botswanaโs sporting interests.
Recognising the critical shortage of sporting facilities, especially for athletics, Kelebeng highlighted a strategic partnership with the University of Botswana (UB) as a key development.
โMany people are unaware that UB has a high-performance center superior to some in South Africa,โ Kelebeng noted.ย
โYet, our athletes lack access to it. We are working to change that by creating an ecosystem where they can utilise these facilities.โ
He also expressed the Ministryโs desire to refurbish UB Stadium, making it more accessible to a broader range of athletes.
Private sector partnerships are playing a role in infrastructure improvements.ย
โFNB is already refurbishing Maun Stadium,โ Kelebeng revealed.ย
โWe are in talks with other companies to enhance sports facilities across the country.โ
The government aims to create a conducive environment where athletes have access to modern, well-maintained facilities to support their development and competitiveness.
Despite these efforts, financial challenges remain a concern. Kelebeng acknowledged the constraints but assured that sports development remains a government priority.
โAs a new administration, we inherited financial difficulties,โ he explained. โHowever, we are committed to supporting our sports sector. Too often, we neglect the foundationโsports development itself. Our goal is to provide the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) with the full support it needs.โ
The BNSC plays a crucial role in coordinating and managing sports activities nationwide. Strengthening its operations is seen as essential for the long-term growth of Botswanaโs sports sector.
Kelebeng stressed that revitalising the sports sector is vital for national development and urged both public and private stakeholders to collaborate with the government in this effort.
Beyond infrastructure and program development, Kelebeng expressed optimism about the potential of sports to create employment opportunities for young people.
โWe are committed to cultivating job opportunities for the youth,โ he affirmed.ย
โBy building a strong sports ecosystem, we can create pathways for employment and entrepreneurship.โ
Despite financial hurdles, the governmentโs renewed focus on sports development signals a promising future for Botswanaโs athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
