Update

NATIONAL NEWS - After last week’s abrupt postponement of the 2026 National High/LSEN Schools Athletics Championships, authorities have confirmed a new date and venue for the national event. 

The championships will now take place from 29 April to 2 May at Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane, with the North West Province remaining the official host and Gauteng providing operational support.

This was announced in a joint media release by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and South African Schools Athletics (Sasa).

The original event was scheduled for 8 - 11 April at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. 

According to the media statement, the decision to postpone the championships was necessitated by the confirmed unavailability of the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, compounded by the operational constraints associated with the long Easter weekend, which had a ripple effect on logistics, stakeholder coordination, and compliance readiness.

“In light of these developments, and in the interest of safeguarding the integrity of the event, a decision was taken guided by due diligence and in consultation with key stakeholders, to postpone the event,” read the statement.

The postponement sparked strong criticism from Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who visited George during the final day of the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup on Monday 6 April.

Speaking to George Herald, he referred to the postponement as “absolute rubbish” and “nonsense of the highest order”, threatening that heads were going to roll when he stepped into the office this morning. 

He criticised the lack of consultation with both his office and the Department of Basic Education, highlighting the financial and logistical strain placed on families and provincial teams.

In selecting the new venue, authorities considered three stadiums capable of hosting the event. The University of Johannesburg Athletics Stadium, Germiston Athletics Stadium, and Pilditch Stadium. 

Pilditch was ultimately chosen for its technical compliance and capacity to accommodate athletes, officials, and spectators.

Clarification on prior communications

The collective said that the communication issued by the Director-General of DSAC before the Easter weekend was deliberately intended as a precautionary measure, aimed at sensitising provinces to halt or minimise procurement processes. 

“This was done to avoid unnecessary and wasteful expenditure, pending final confirmation of venue availability,” read the statement.

While the DBE, DSAC, and Sasa apologised for the disruption and emphasised that the decision was taken in the best interest of athlete safety and fair competition, questions remain about whether parents, athletes, and provinces who incurred extra costs due to the postponement will be reimbursed. 

No details on refunds have yet been provided.

Officials have urged all provinces to redirect travel and logistical arrangements to Tshwane in line with the revised schedule. Further operational updates and instructions are expected soon through established intergovernmental and sporting channels.

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