/ 27 February 2015

Creating champions, maintaining icons

South Africa has produced incredible people in both the sporting and cultural arenas — people recognised all over the world. The momentum in Gauteng to continue to identify and promote talent shows no sign of slowing.

Premier David Makhura said that the province has been investing in various sporting codes to ensure that Gauteng remains the home of champions. This includes investing in school sports and developing sporting talent within communities. 

“We have unveiled the Mabaleng programme,” he said in his address, “Which is about building sports and recreational facilities in our communities. This programme will also contribute to township revitalisation and ensure that our children are [kept] off the streets.”  

Makhura also said the province is following through on its commitment to preserve and promote South Africa’s heritage, including heritage sites and celebrating heroes and heroines of the struggle.

“This year being the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, together with the City of Joburg, we are investing in preserving the museum at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, and will convert the house of Charlotte Maxeke in Kliptown into a museum and an interpretation centre,” he said.

“As part of Human Rights Month, the 55th anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre will be commemorated, and this year we will complete and hand over the Women’s Monument in Tshwane. As part of celebrating the heroes and heroines of our struggle, we will officially unveil the statue of Bertha Gxowa, at Ditselane Cultural Village in Vosloorus.”