The government has pledged to revive school sports as a cornerstone of its strategy to nurture Botswana’s athletic talent, said Jacob Kelebeng, the new Minister of Sport and Arts.
Speaking on the sidelines of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Duma Boko in Parliament on Tuesday, Kelebeng addressed the suspension of school sports, which has been in effect since March 2020 due to budgetary constraints. The minister’s remarks struck a chord with the nation, reflecting a renewed commitment to reinvigorate the country’s sporting landscape.
“School sport must return with immediate effect,” Kelebeng declared with firm conviction.
The minister explained that his ministry has already begun consulting stakeholders and will work closely with other ministries, including Local Government and Basic Education, as well as unions.
“Unions are important stakeholders because they take care of the welfare of workers who are teachers in this sense,” he said.
Reviving school sports was a central pillar of the coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change’s (UDC) campaign platform. Kelebeng revealed that budgetary discussions to support this initiative are already underway.
“The Ministry has briefed me that there’s a budget they have prepared. We are going to review it to see if it allows us to start immediately or plan. We don’t want to bring this issue half-baked,” he added.
The suspension of school sports has raised concerns about Botswana’s athletic future, with fears of a decline in the talent pipeline. This is particularly worrisome for a nation that has produced world-class athletes like sprinter Letsile Tebogo and middle-distance runner Nigel Amos.
“The absence of school sports jeopardises our ability to consistently unearth and nurture talent,” Kelebeng admitted.
World-Class Facilities on the Horizon
Infrastructure development is another key priority of the Ministry’s agenda. During his SONA, President Boko emphasised the need for world-class sports facilities to enhance Botswana’s competitiveness. Kelebeng echoed this vision, stressing the importance of venues that meet international standards.
“We have said that high-class facilities are needed,” Kelebeng explained, pointing to the recent loss of gold status for a prominent local race as a cautionary example. “We had a race with gold status, and all of a sudden, it had issues and didn’t happen. I asked about it during meetings, and they stated that it might return. On facilities, this new government intends to construct infrastructure that will enable us to compete with other countries.”
Addressing Athletes’ Welfare
Athlete welfare also featured prominently in Kelebeng’s address. He highlighted troubling trends of financial mismanagement among athletes after achieving success. “We have realised that local athletes experience breakdowns after winning and getting money. Some derail and use money unwisely,” he observed.
The Ministry plans to collaborate with athletes and national sporting associations to foster long-term stability and well-being. “We need to take athlete welfare very seriously,” Kelebeng stressed, suggesting initiatives such as financial literacy programs and mentorship to help athletes manage their earnings and sustain their success.
A Return to Excellence
Kelebeng’s vision aligns with the broader objectives of the Boko administration, which is committed to rejuvenating Botswana’s sporting sector. By prioritising school sports, building state-of-the-art facilities, and enhancing athlete welfare, the government aims to restore Botswana’s reputation as a cradle of exceptional athletic talent.
The stakes are high, with the risk of losing the nation’s competitive edge if action is delayed. However, Kelebeng remains optimistic. “This is not just about sports; it’s about building a stronger, healthier, and more united nation,” he said.
Botswana’s future in sports may depend on the swift and effective implementation of these promises. With a focused strategy and collaborative efforts, the country could be on the brink of a sporting renaissance that inspires the next generation of stars while solidifying its global reputation.
