Origins of non-racial school sport in South Africa

Abstract

This article explored the political-organisational origins of non-racial school sport in South Africa. The focus was on identifying key role players and events of this particular history. It begins with a presentation of political-historical themes of resistance and accomodationism in South African education during the 1950s and 1960s. Next, it proceeds with a historical layout of the formation of the South African School Sports Board. This was an ineffective organisation steeped in conservative politics and was accused by its detractors of collaboration with the Apartheid state. After its demise, the South African Senior Schools’ Sports Association and South African Primary Schools Sports Association emerged. These two organisations proved much more effective than their predecessor. The article concludes by showing how school sport organisations provided learners and teachers national participation opportunity, despite limitations on participation imposed by the Apartheid regime.