The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has revealed that government officials were drunk during the 2025 National School Sport Championships Athletics (NSSC), held in Bloemfontein from April 2 to 5.
According to the DA’s Spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture and Member of the Provincial Legislature, Advocate Franco Marx, these shocking revelations are contained in the long-delayed investigation report into the shameful treatment of Limpopo athletes during the 2025 National School Sport Championships Athletics (NSSC.
The report exposes deep-rooted corruption, dereliction of duty, and gross mismanagement within the department.
“After receiving complaints from concerned athletes and parents, the DA released a media statement on April 9. Shortly thereafter, on April 11, Premier Phophi Ramathuba publicly apologised for the incident. And she promised that a full investigation would be concluded within one month,” said Marx.
Pressed MEC for report
“As the report was not forthcoming, the DA continuously pressed the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Jerry Maseko, to release it.”
The report, which was ultimately released on 15 August, exposes a litany of failures and misconduct. These include contradictory statements, elements of dishonesty, a lack of proper oversight by senior project officials. And also dereliction of duty, with senior managers failing to attend the national event. It also highlights elements of extortion and probable corruption. Officials allegedly collected money from suppliers to secure services —a practice said to have been ongoing for years.
“Officials were intoxicated and absent from the stadium during sporting events. Fraudulent backdating of documents — indicating possible corruption and cover-ups—has been the order of the day for some time now,” Marx continued.
“That is why the DA recommends that disciplinary action be instituted against multiple senior and junior officials. Including some in top management positions within the department.”
The DA further recommended that the department open a criminal case with the SAPS. This is regarding extortion and corruption and that a total of R312 473.58 be recovered from implicated officials. Also from service providers, and members of the Limpopo Schools Athletics (LIMSA) team.
Call for full audit
The party urged the department to consider a number of pressing matters. These include conducting a full audit of all Sport and Recreation programmes for the past two years. The disbandment of the current LIMSA Committee, whose term expired in 2024. The blocklisting of all non-performing service providers on the National Treasury database. And also the delivery of all missing sporting attire to affected athletes.
“The DA demands that MEC Jerry Maseko immediately table the full investigation report and its implementation plan before the Portfolio Committee. Confirm whether disciplinary action has been instituted. Whether criminal action has been initiated, and whether any funds have been recovered,” Marx said.
“No official implicated in this report should continue to hold authority over Limpopo’s young athletes.”
Marx concluded that “the premier and the MEC must ensure that justice is served. Not quietly, but publicly, and without political protection. Limpopo’s youth deserve better than broken promises and bus seats for beds.”
