PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SCHOOL SPORT AND OLYMPIC VALUES AS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

South Africa is one of few countries where Physical Education (PE) is not taught as a stand-alone subject in public schools. The passion for sport in the country, and the lack of (or poor quality) PE for South African children and youth, creates a huge imbalance and a deficit for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. This article addresses both past and existing challenges and argues for the reintroduction and establishment of PE as a subject in South African schools. The research findings highlight the need for policy advocacy and policy review, increased communication and active support to ensure PE is implemented across all schools. It also emphasizes the necessity of developing norms and standards for Non-Governmental Organizations offering sport development and peace programs and for the training of PE and sports teachers and coaches to include values-based approaches such as the Olympic Values Education Project (OVEP) of the International Olympic Committee into their teaching repertoire.