Limpopo school athletics scandal marred Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
LIMPOPO – A damning investigation report has exposed widespread corruption, dereliction of duty, and gross mismanagement within the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
The report, which was long-delayed, reveals the shocking treatment of Limpopo athletes during the 2025 National School Sport Championships Athletics (NSSC) held in Bloemfontein from 2 to 5 April 2025.
The report uncovered elements of extortion and probable corruption, where officials allegedly collected money from suppliers to secure services, a practice said to have been ongoing for years. Fraudulent backdating of documents was also discovered, indicating possible corruption and cover-ups.
The department has been advised to open a criminal case with SAPS regarding extortion and corruption, recover R312, 473.58 from implicated officials and service providers, and conduct a full audit of Sport and Recreation Programmes for the past two years.
According to Adv. Franco Marx, Democratic Alliance (DA) Spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, said the party is concerned about the report outcomes and demands that actions taken against those who are implicated.
“The same officials entrusted to nurture Limpopo’s young athletes have instead betrayed them for personal enrichment. We demand actions taken after the investigation found evidence of contradicting statements, elements of dishonesty, and a lack of proper oversight by senior project officials. Senior managers failed to attend the national event, while officials were allegedly intoxicated and absent from the stadium during the sports events,” explained Marx.
He informed that the investigation recommended disciplinary action against multiple senior and junior officials, including some in top management positions within the department.
The DA is demanding that MEC Jerry Maseko immediately table the full investigation report and its implementation plan before the Portfolio Committee, confirm whether any disciplinary action has been instituted, and disclose whether any funds have been recovered.
“The Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and MEC Maseko 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,” said Marx.
