Acta Universitatis Danubius. Administratio, Vol 10, No 2 (2018)

Abstract

The article aims to investigate the challenges faced by public school principals in implementing Integrated School Sport Framework (2011) within Mgwenya Circuit in Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa. To achieve this goal, the study applied quantitative research approach and case study methodology targeting. The targeted population and subsequently participants are the 26 principals of these 26 Mgwenya Circuit schools. Because of the small population size, the population was taken as a whole. It could be argued that at national sport level, we will continue to have less black African players if schools which are at grassroots level fail to identify, develop and nurture talent. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents agreed that the budget for school sport is inadequate and many schools are characterized by poor or no facilities. In addition the majority of respondents also agreed that schools do not have dedicated trainers and coaches and that makes development and nurturing of talent difficult. Interestingly and proving the earlier assumptions wrong, majority of schools have developed sport policies as per framework requirements, however their implementation was very poor. As a consequence many do not integrate sport activities into the school calendar or year plan.