McKenzie promises reform across sport, arts & culture sector in maiden budget speech
McKenzie’s plans, which he set out in his programme for the financial year, include making physical education in schools a compulsory subject and building more appreciation for heritage practices.
Gayton McKenzie. Picture: X/SportArtsCultur
CAPE TOWN - From making physical education compulsory at public schools, to formalising the motorsport of spinning and repatriating the remains of freedom fighters, the new Sport, Arts and Culture Minister has set out his programme for the financial year.
Delivering his maiden speech in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie is promising reform across the sector, particularly with young people in mind.
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He said the power of sport to transform lives cannot be overstated, and more needs to be done to ensure widespread participation.
McKenzie said participating in sport at government schools should no longer be a choice.
“We will be reaching out to the Department of Basic Education to bring back physical education as a standalone subject at schools. We will also need a new national oversight body for school sport.”
On the arts and culture front, McKenzie said he wants to see more appreciation for heritage practices.
“The Kaapse Klopse will no longer be treated as an irritant because we know first-hand the importance and the important role the Kaapse Klopse is playing.”
Almost R70 million is being earmarked over the next three years to place a thousand artists in schools to improve art teaching.