Thebe Sekoto Re-Elected North West Provincial Sports Confederation President

The North West Provincial Sports Confederation (NWPSC) has re-elected Thebe Clifford Sekoto as President, entrusting him with a new five-year mandate during its 4th Quadrennial Elective Congress held over the weekend in Lichtenburg.

Sekoto, who has led the NWPSC through a period of transformation and renewed grassroots focus, immediately turned attention to preparing the province’s athletes for the 2027 Olympic Games. The NWPSC is affiliated with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

In his address, Sekoto unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at unearthing and developing Olympic-level talent, particularly from rural areas.

“Many young people in rural areas face challenges such as limited sports facilities and inadequate training. But we are committed to overcoming these obstacles to prepare athletes for the Olympics,” said Sekoto. “The Games can inspire them to dream bigger. Sport also instils discipline, teamwork and skills that benefit them in school and life.”

Sekoto also extended gratitude to the North West Departments of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) and Education for their continued support in advancing sports development in the province.

The congress brought together representatives from 38 provincial sports federations and three associate members. A significant highlight was the formal admission of University Sports South Africa (USSA) as a full member in good standing—marking a milestone in strengthening the sporting pipeline from tertiary institutions.

Addressing the congress, Sports MEC Galerekwe Tlhapi and Education Department Head Itumeleng Mogorosi urged federations to increase their visibility, especially in underserved rural communities. MEC Tlhapi proposed a provincial sports colloquium, scheduled for the end of May, to refine the province’s strategy for “Project 350”—a national initiative aimed at producing Olympic-ready athletes by 2027.

A high-level delegation led by Kagiso Ntswe from the Department of Education also participated in the congress, underscoring the growing collaboration between government and sports structures. This partnership is anchored in a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between ACSR and the Department of Education, aimed at reviving and prioritizing school sports across the province.

However, the congress did not shy away from addressing internal challenges. Concerns were raised over the prolonged absence of a Board of Commissioners at the North West Academy of Sport, which has reportedly been operating without one for five years—contravening national policy.

Newly Elected NWPSC Committee:

President: Thebe Clifford Sekoto

1st Vice President: Lephoyi Mojapele

2nd Vice President (Female): Mpho Ntlame

Provincial Secretary: Mpondo Mbotho

Provincial Treasurer: Keorapetse Mashimo

Committee Members:

Thabang Tsheiso

Nompumelelo Wana (Female)

Orapeleng Setlhare

Mantlowa Kopung