The Power of After-School Sports Programmes
Founder of WCSS
For years, through West Coast Sports Solutions NPO, I have been fighting to establish structured after-school sports programmes for children in our rural West Coast communities.
These kids are up against overwhelming odds: soaring dropout rates, crushing poverty, gang recruitment, and no safe places to go after school. Sport changes that, it keeps them occupied, instils discipline, teaches teamwork, and, most importantly, gives them something positive to look forward to every day.
Despite years of pleading with authorities, promises are made and then forgotten, letters go unanswered, and grassroots efforts like ours are left to fend for themselves.
Last year I sent a strong, detailed email directly to SAHRC Commissioner Chris Nissen, while he was in Switzerland. To my surprise, he phoned me personally from there, listened carefully, and promised to call again as soon as he returned to Cape Town. He did call when he landed, but explained he had to rush urgently to Johannesburg. We continued corresponding by email, and eventually the Cape Town office responded and arranged the meeting.
On October 14. 2024, two female commissioners from the SAHRC travelled from Cape Town to meet me in person. They heard my plea for support in rolling out after-school sports, made firm commitments to follow up, and assured me that action would be taken to protect children’s constitutional rights to recreation and development.
Nothing happened. No follow-up, no support, no communication since.
I also wrote formal letters to the offices of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in Cape Town and Vredenburg, begging for help with basic needs, equipment, transport, coaching. For three years running, a reputable Cape Town NPO invited our West Coast children to major sports events. Beautiful opportunities that could have transformed young lives. But without funding for kits or even a bus, not one child could attend.
The deeper problem is simple: requests are ignored. Letters disappear into the void. Promises evaporate.
This inaction reaches the highest levels. Commissioner Chris Nissen and Minister Gayton McKenzie must answer for the persistent failures in their departments. Commissioner Nissen carries enormous responsibility for upholding human rights, including children’s rights. Minister McKenzie has repeatedly promised massive investment in school and community sport, including budgets for equipment, attire, and hubs in the 2025/26 financial year. Yet here on the West Coast, those promises remain empty words.
With local government elections looming in 2026, the public will not forget broken commitments to our children.
Why am I convinced that sport can turn the tide?
The evidence is overwhelming. Programmes like the UNODC’s “Line Up Live Up” – successfully piloted right here in South Africa. It proves that sport-based life-skills training dramatically reduces crime, substance abuse, and gang involvement among at-risk youth.
Local studies in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal show participants have lower dropout rates, better attendance, reduced aggression, and a real sense of belonging.
Those dangerous after-school hours are when most trouble starts. Sport fills that gap with structure, positive role models, and pride.
Our children cannot keep waiting for broken promises
I turn 70 in 2026, and I am marking the milestone with a massive community Fun Day in Hopefield, a 7-km fun run, a 70-metre challenge for seniors, talent shows, and an evening festival, all to raise funds for a safe community swimming pool and expanded sports programmes through West Coast Sports Solutions NPO.
This is more than a birthday party.
It is a statement: if government won’t act, the community will.
I share stories like this across more than 70 public and private community groups, all of which have approved and welcomed the message. The West Coast is watching. South Africa is watching.
If the SAHRC and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture truly care about preventing crime and saving the next generation, now is the time to act – respond, deliver, and partner with people on the ground who are already doing the work.
Sport is not a luxury – It is one of the most powerful, proven tools we have to build safer, stronger, hopeful communities.
Our children deserve action today, not tomorrow.
This opinion piece is written by the founder and chairperson of West Coast Sports Solutions NPO, a lifelong West Coast resident dedicated to youth development through sport.
As founder of _ www.wcsportssolutions.co.za – I believe in action – not empty promises
#WestCoastSportsSolutions #AfterSchoolSports #ChrisNissan #GaytenMcKenzie #Responsibility #SAHRC #SportsArtsCulture
Please help us keep the project alive:
