The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mr Lebogang Maile, has wished Team Gauteng well as the province’s young athletes prepare to compete at the 2026 National Schools Sport Championship (NSSC) Winter Games in kuGompo, Eastern Cape, from 10 to 13 July.
The provincial team consists of 269 members, including 198 learners, 38 coaches and team managers, 30 members of the General Management Team and three support officials. The athletes will compete in football, hockey, rugby and volleyball against the country’s top school teams across various age groups.
Learners representing Gauteng come from a wide range of public and independent schools across the province, including Jeppe Boys High School, King Edward VII School, Clapham High School, School of Excellence, Rosina Sedibane Modiba School, Alexandra Secondary School, Kensington High School, Bryanston High School, St Stithians College, Steyn City School, Queens High School, Krugersdorp High School, Monument High School, Springs HTS, Cullinan High School, Nellmapius Secondary School, Jabulani Technical High School, Tsakane Secondary School, Brakpan Secondary School, Lukhanyo Secondary School, Mpilisweni Secondary School, Boitumelo Secondary School, Landulwazi Secondary School and Wedela Technical High School, among others.
According to the department, the team reflects strong representation from Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Gauteng West, the West Rand and Sedibeng, highlighting the continued growth of school sport across township, suburban, rural and independent schools.
Congratulating the athletes, Maile encouraged them to represent the province with pride.
“To every learner representing Gauteng, you have already made your families, your schools, your teachers and your province immensely proud. Your selection into Team Gauteng is recognition of your talent, discipline and hard work. Compete fearlessly, respect your opponents, support your teammates and always strive for excellence,” he said.
MEC Maile also thanked teachers, coaches, parents, school management teams, sports administrators and departmental officials for their role in preparing the provincial team.
“Behind every successful athlete stands a dedicated community of educators, coaches, parents and professionals who invest countless hours developing young talent. Your contribution extends beyond sportโyou are building disciplined, resilient and confident young South Africans,” he added.
The MEC said school sport remains an important platform for youth development, social cohesion and identifying future elite athletes.
“Every Olympian, Springbok, Bafana Bafana player, Protea, hockey international and national volleyball player begins somewhere. For many, that journey starts in school sport,” Maile said.
He added that Gauteng remains committed to nurturing sporting talent and expressed confidence that Team Gauteng would once again perform with distinction.
“The future of South African sport is rich and bright because of Gauteng talent. Whether you return home with medals or not, remember that your courage, resilience and commitment already make you champions. Go and make Gauteng proud,” he said.
The Gauteng Department of Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has called on residents across the province to support Team Gauteng during the National Schools Sport Championship Winter Games.
