Schools athletics fiasco costs parents thousands

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The abrupt postponement of the 2026 National High/LSEN Schools Athletics Championships has not only caused national outrage, but also affected parents, athletes and coaches in George and the wider Southern Cape.

The decision to postpone the event triggered widespread frustration among schools, athletes and families, and left many scrambling to make new arrangements and facing unexpected financial implications.

The championships, originally scheduled for 8 to 11 April at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, were called off at short notice.

While no official reason was initially given, it later emerged that the venue was unavailable, reportedly due to ongoing maintenance, aggravated by logistical challenges around the Easter weekend.

Authorities have since confirmed that the championships will now take place from 29 April to 2 May at Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane, with North West remaining the official host and Gauteng providing operational support.

Impact on families

According to George Herald's sister publication, Mossel Bay Advertiser, the Hartenbos family of Outeniqua High School learner JD van Wyk said they had spent nearly R12 000 on travel and accommodation after he qualified for both club and school SA championships in the boys U17 discus.

His mother, Engela, said the event was a major goal and an important platform for future opportunities such as bursaries. Beyond the emotional blow, she said the financial strain on parents who had committed funds in good faith was significant.

Criticism

The comment section on George Herald's Facebook page was buzzing with people slating the postponement and parents speaking up about financial losses.

The postponement also caused strong criticism from Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who in no uncertain terms warned that "heads are going to roll" over the debacle.

Top brass comment

McKenzie, who was in George for the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup at Outeniqua Park on Monday 6 April, described the postponement as "absolute rubbish" and "nonsense of the highest order".

He criticised the lack of consultation with both his department and the Department of Basic Education, saying such decisions should not be taken without ministerial oversight. "This is not how you treat parents or students," he said.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport confirmed it had been informed of the cancellation in a letter dated 3 April, after days of uncertainty during which alternative venues in Pretoria and Potchefstroom were considered.

Chairperson of Parliament's portfolio committee on sport, arts and culture, Joe McGluwa, also criticised the decision, calling it a breach of trust and a sign of poor planning.

The new venue, Pilditch, was selected from several options, including stadiums in Johannesburg and Germiston, based on its ability to meet technical requirements and accommodate athletes and spectators.

Call for national guidance

The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, has raised concern regarding the recent developments affecting the championships.

With the original venue unavailable, athletes, schools and families were left uncertain despite months of preparation and travel plans.

According to a statement by the department, attempts to find alternative venues were hampered by a lack of clear national guidance.

The province is calling for urgent clarity from the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and practical steps to prevent this happening again, including confirmed venues, a stable calendar, better communication, and a review process to protect athletes' interests.

Apology

In a joint statement, the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and South African Schools Athletics apologised for the disruption, saying the postponement was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the event.

However, questions remain over whether families and provinces will be reimbursed for costs already incurred, with no clarity yet provided on possible refunds.

Minister Gayton McKenzie during a media briefing in George on Monday. Photo: Kristy Kolberg