By Levy Masiteng
The Western Cape has emerged victorious as the overall champions of the 2025 Summer National School Sport Championships, held in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
The win marks a hat-trick of success for Team Western Cape, following strong performances across the Autumn, Winter and Summer editions of the games.
The 2025 championships included more than 960 learners from all nine provinces.
Western Cape athletes delivered standout performances in gymnastics, goalball, softball and table tennis, competing against the best young talent from across the country.
According to the provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the team’s consistent excellence throughout the year secured the coveted overall title, supported by strong results in athletics, swimming, rugby and netball.
The MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, congratulated Team Western Cape on their achievement.
“I want to express my heartfelt pride in all our incredible athletes and coaches as you take the national stage. You are not only competing for medals, but you also carry with you the hopes, ‘gees’, and determination of our province.”
He also praised the athletes’ discipline, perseverance, and hard work, saying: “Each one of you earned your place at the championship through discipline, perseverance, and countless hours of training. That alone makes you champions.”
The games were organised by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education.
“Founded in 2012, School Sports is the cornerstone of sporting development and is central to streamlining sport development in the country and, in so doing, increasing participation in sport in schools,” said the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Western Education MEC David Maynier also congratulated the team.
“The talent and discipline of our school sports stars shows that the future of South African sport has a home in the Western Cape!” he said.
Mackenzie said the province remained confident its school sport strategy would give young people more opportunities to compete, develop and succeed — and to reach even greater heights in the years to come.
INSIDE EDUCATION
