Parliament, Monday, 13 July 2026 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, has called on the Department of Basic Education to investigate the circumstances surrounding the “Bokkieweek” sporting event in Limpopo, which, according to media reports, only Afrikaans-medium schools participated in.
Mr Feni said the department should establish whether the event was consistent with the constitutional values of equality, non-discrimination and social cohesion, as well as the country’s broader transformation objectives. “It is concerning that we had to learn about the Bokkieweek event through media reports," he said. “The circumstances surrounding the event need clarification, particularly given South Africa’s history and the considerable progress made over the years in promoting unity and inclusion.”
The Chairperson said that the relevant school sport structures within the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture should investigate the event, including whether any children were discriminated against, the criteria for participation, the role of educators and principals and the reasons for the limited public information surrounding the event.
According to media reports published over the weekend, three associations declined invitations to participate in the event. The reports further alleged that Afrikaner Volkseie Sport (AVS) organised the games, during which the apartheid-era anthem was sung. Reports indicated that participating teams were grouped according to the four provinces that existed in South Africa before the democratic transition. The Chairperson said that these allegations should form part of the investigation.
Mr Feni commended the associations that reportedly declined to participate in the sporting event. He said school sport should contribute to social cohesion and provide children from all backgrounds with opportunities to participate on an equal basis. “When school sport becomes associated with political or exclusionary agendas, it should concern all South Africans. Sport should bring learners together and promote mutual respect, rather than deepen divisions or create the impression that transformation and inclusion are not being advanced,” he said.
The Chairperson emphasised that the committee was concerned that events such as Bokkieweek could undermine trust and social cohesion, and must be properly investigated and clarified. “On behalf of the committee, I call on the relevant departments to investigate this matter thoroughly and establish how the event came to be presented and organised as a school sporting event,” Mr Feni said.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, SCIENCES AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, MR MAKHI FENI.
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