Update

GEORGE NEWS – Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has strongly condemned the sudden postponement of the 2026 South African National High/LSEN Schools Athletics Championship, warning that “heads are going to roll” as pressure mounts for accountability.

The championship, which was scheduled to take place from 8 to 11 April at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, was officially postponed last week, with provinces instructed to halt all travel and logistical arrangements with immediate effect.

Although no official reason has been confirmed, it is widely believed that the venue may no longer have been available due to ongoing maintenance work that was not completed in time.

McKenzie, who was in George on Monday 6 April attending the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup at Outeniqua Park, did not hold back when speaking to George Herald during a media briefing.

“What they did was wrong. It is absolute rubbish, nonsense of the highest order. Heads are going to roll tomorrow when I get into the office,” he said.

He described the situation as unacceptable, particularly given the impact on learners and their families.

“That’s not how you treat parents or students. What happened – there’s no excuse for it. As I’m speaking to you right now, they are in an emergency meeting. I’m telling you, heads are going to roll tomorrow. Not next week, tomorrow.”

McKenzie further criticised the apparent lack of consultation, saying decisions of this magnitude should not be taken without involving both the Minister of Basic Education and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.

“Parents are taking their last moneys for officials to just decide without consulting with the minister of education, without the minister of sport. They will be gone,” he said.

In a letter dated 3 April, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport confirmed that it had been informed by the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) that the championship would no longer proceed as planned.

Schools, parents, coaches and team managers across the country were subsequently notified, while Team Western Cape cancelled all travel arrangements to Rustenburg on Monday.

The postponement follows days of uncertainty. On 1 April, provinces were informed that the stadium would no longer be available, with alternative venues in Pretoria or Potchefstroom briefly considered. Revised plans included the possibility of daily long-distance travel, raising concerns about athlete welfare and logistics.

Provincial departments had already finalised travel, accommodation and catering arrangements, resulting in potential financial losses.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, has also criticised the decision, describing it as unacceptable and indicative of poor planning.

“This breach of trust is deeply concerning. Communities, learners and educators have planned in good faith, only to be let down,” he said.

Calls are now growing for full accountability from the DSAC, including a clear explanation of how the situation unfolded, confirmation of a new venue and date, and measures to address the financial strain placed on provinces.

No official reason for the postponement or a new date for the event has yet been provided. 

Authorities have indicated that further details will be communicated once clarity is received from national organisers.

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