“Future Of KZN Sport Is Secure” — KZN MEC
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle B. Khawula, has praised the Emadlangeni community for enthusiastically embracing the local Sport and Arts Festival, noting that the event highlights the vital role communities play in nurturing young talent.
Speaking at the Utrecht High School sports field, where residents gathered for a dynamic programme combining sport, arts, and culture, Khawula commended the strong turnout and community involvement.
The multi-discipline festival featured competitive fixtures in soccer, netball, and volleyball, alongside vibrant musical performances that added to the celebratory atmosphere.
“We are delighted by the way the community has embraced these games. The principle is that the future of sport lies in the youth,” said Khawula.
He emphasized that grassroots initiatives like the Emadlangeni festival offer young people a crucial platform to demonstrate their abilities while encouraging local communities to take an active, driving role in developing the next generation of athletes.
Khawula also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, provincial sporting federations, and the education sector in scouting and developing emerging talent.
He noted that the department continues to collaborate closely with federations focused on structured training and pathway development, ensuring talented youth can progress seamlessly into higher levels of competition.
“We also have school sport, where we work closely with the Department of Education. When we see young people showing this level of talent, it reassures us that the future of sport in KZN is secure,” Khawula added.
The MEC reaffirmed that sustained investment in grassroots sports remains essential to providing young athletes with the mentorship, facilities, and opportunities required to reach their full potential.
Beyond athletic development, the festival showcased how combining sport and culture fosters social cohesion—bringing communities together while giving young people an empowering space to compete and express themselves.
