By 
The Minister for Sports Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie took a trip back to his origin to inspire hope to a community languishing in poverty and despair, the Minister gave the young people and the community something to smile about and a hope for a brighter future.
The Minister, flanked by the Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Zanele Sefuba and Multi-Choice rolled over a life changing infrastructure development programme in his home town, Heidedal in Bloemfontein on Monday, 2 February 2026.
The programme focused on strengthening school infrastructure and breaking boundaries through school sport development.
The government officials commenced the rigorous programme with the official opening of a newly built, state-of-the-art netball and basketball court at Credence Primary School, located in the heart of Heidedal.
This was followed by the handover of sporting equipment, including table tennis equipment and sport kits, at Heide Primary School, situated less than two kilometres from Credence Priromary. The day’s programme concluded with the official handover of swimming equipment at the Free State Swimming Pool.
MEC Zanele Sifuba emphasized the paramount importance of sport in child development and in nation-building. She remarked that
“The project of social cohesion is not the responsibility of government alone. It is the responsibility of us all; communities, civil society, private business and the public sector. As part of the 7th administration, we want to be counted among those who contributed to building a better nation. Sport has without a doubt proven to be an effective tool in combating social ills and is an important contributor to many livelihoods.”
During her remarks, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae highlighted the historical and social significance of sport in South Africa. She recollected that:
“Sport played a key role in the reconciliation process of our country. Sport has the power to change the world and bring together people from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds. Bringing this sport infrastructure programme to Heidedal is not a coincidence and is fundamental in our quest to eliminate drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
Heidedal is dubbed the drug hub of the Mangaung Metro and the Free State as a whole. These facilities will play a key role in cultivating a culture of discipline, a sense of pride and hope among the children of the community. Former President Nelson Mandela was spot-on when he said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world and is a tool that can be used to break racial boundaries.'”
Premier Letsoha-Mathae further lauded the collaboration between MultiChoice and government as a powerful partnership in driving meaningful and lasting change within communities.
Minister McKenzie encouraged learners, most of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, to dream big and never look down on themselves. He emphasized the importance of having access to sporting facilities within disadvantaged communities, noting that sport serves as a powerful motivator and catalyst for positive change.
The Minister also acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the vital role played by teachers in nurturing and shaping tomorrow’s leaders. He further inspired learners by sharing a personal story from his own childhood, highlighting how perseverance and self-belief can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
“It doesn’t matter your circumstances; you can become whatever you set your mind to achieve. And to you, teachers — you are everything to our communities,” said Minister McKenzie.
