Johannesburg – The Department of Basic Education has received a donation of R117 million – to be made over a period of 10 years - from the Motsepe Foundation towards sporting and cultural competitions.
The announcement was made by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Motsepe Foundation Chairperson Patrice Motsepe in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
In the first five years, R55 million will be allocated to the Kay Motsepe Schools Football Cup, the ABC Motsepe Schools Choral and Traditional Eisteddfod and the Kay Motsepe Schools Netball Cup.
In the subsequent five years, from 2021 to 2025, the Motsepe Foundation will contribute another R62.5 million.
The Minister explained that all the 25 000 public and private schools in South Africa, from both rural and urban areas, will be invited to participate in all three competitions.
"Sporting and cultural activities in education help advance social cohesion and are an integral part of a holistic education system.
“As the Department of Basic Education, we are extremely grateful to the Motsepe Foundation for this generous contribution, which we believe will go a long way in advancing the development of our learners within the system,” she said.
The Minister said these educational programmes will help to enhance the national identity of learners and promote the country’s diverse cultural understanding.
Co-founder and Deputy Chairperson of the Motsepe Foundation, Precious Moloi-Motsepe, said sports and music make an important contribution to the growth and development of youth and they also help youth to become good role models.
“My father-in-law ABC Motsepe loved choral and traditional music and before he started his businesses, the school where he was the headmaster participated in choral and traditional music competitions.
“I am also excited that we will be sponsoring netball, which is very popular among our girls in the rural and urban areas," she said.
The department and the foundation are currently in discussions to identify prizes for the winners of the various categories of the ABC Motsepe Schools Choral and Traditional Eisteddfod, as well as the Kay Motsepe Schools Netball Cup.
The Kay Motsepe Schools Football Cup has been in operation for the last 10 years and is regarded as having the largest prize money in the world, with the winning school receiving R1 million from total annual prize money of R3.4 million.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been supporting the Motsepe Foundation and the department to promote football in schools. – SAnews.gov.za
