Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has officially opened a new multi-purpose sports facility at Bertha Gxowa Primary School in Ratanda, describing it as a major investment in youth development and school sport.
The state-of-the-art facility will serve learners from Bertha Gxowa Primary School as well as young people from Ratanda and surrounding communities. It has been designed to accommodate several sporting codes, including netball, basketball, tennis and volleyball.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Friday (October 9), MEC Maile said sport has the power to transform lives and create opportunities for young people.
“This is an investment in the potential of our young people. Sport can go a long way in addressing poverty and many social ills. This facility will provide a safe and empowering space where learners can develop their talents and pursue their sporting dreams,” he said.
The MEC also praised Bertha Gxowa Primary School for its achievements in both sport and the performing arts. He noted that the school has consistently excelled in football, athletics and volleyball, while also earning recognition in music, gumboot dance and poetry.
He encouraged the school’s leadership, educators and learners to continue striving for excellence despite the challenges they face, saying their success demonstrates the importance of providing learners with opportunities beyond the classroom.
Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Mluleki Nkosi, welcomed the completion of the facility, saying it reflects the provincial government’s commitment to restoring dignity and creating opportunities for learners in township schools.
Nkosi said the selection of Bertha Gxowa Primary School was appropriate given the school’s strong sporting record, adding that township schools were historically built without adequate recreational facilities during apartheid.
Gauteng Sports Confederation President Vivian Lottering called on schools, sports clubs and community organisations to work together to ensure the facility is fully utilised to develop young sporting talent and keep young people positively engaged.
MEC Maile reaffirmed the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality educational and sporting infrastructure, saying the province wants to ensure that learners in township schools enjoy the same opportunities as those in other public schools.
“We are on a mission to ensure that no learner is disadvantaged because of where they live,” he said, adding that all new public schools are being developed with facilities that support education, sport, arts and recreation as part of a holistic learning environment.
