Beyond Rugby And Soccer: Why 25 KZN Schools Are Turning To Table Tennis

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Mntomuhle Khawula, joined Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms. Peace Mabe, to preside over the handover of professional table tennis equipment destined for 25 schools across the province.

The ceremony took place at Gardenia Primary School in Wentworth, Durban, drawing together government officials, educators, and enthusiastic learners.

Fostering Equity Through Sport

MEC Khawula emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the principle of equity. “Every South African learner must be accorded the opportunity to participate in at least one sport code,” he stated.

The equipment—which includes high-quality foldable tables and full accessory kits—was donated by the People’s Republic of China.

This contribution stems from the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and serves as a legacy of the Table Tennis World Championship previously hosted in Durban.

KwaZulu-Natal marks the final leg of the national rollout, completing the distribution across all nine provinces.

Developing the Mind and Body

Deputy Minister Mabe highlighted the necessity of diversifying sports in schools to cater to different talents.

“We can’t all swim, we can’t all play rugby, and we can’t all play soccer,” Mabe remarked. “But there are those who can play other sport codes. Table tennis challenges both the body and the mind.”

She further explained that the sport demands strategy, quick thinking, and adaptability—skills she believes are directly transferable to academic success and future careers.

A Milestone for Inclusion

A significant highlight of the day was MEC Khawula’s praise for the inclusive nature of the sport in the region.

“I am quite pleased that the best table tennis player in KwaZulu-Natal is a person representing persons with disabilities,” the MEC noted. “That shows great progress in the sport.”

The event concluded with both MEC Khawula and Deputy Minister Mabe expressing their “deepest gratitude” to the People’s Republic of China for their role in bolstering school sports in South Africa.