Karabo Ntanzi
About 200 members of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) from Francis Baard, JT Gaetsewe, and ZF Mgcawu Districts gathered at Phatshimang FET College to select teams that will represent the Province at the Southern African Teachers Organisation (SATO).
According to Keitumetse Kwenampe, SADTU Provincial Sports Arts and Culture Desk Convener, the objective of these games is not only to prepare for the competition but also to offer teachers an opportunity to relax and network with their counterparts. “We are working under stressful conditions, which makes us prone to depression; having these types of activities helps us to release stress and have fun”.
The Frances Baard ladies won against ZFM in the soccer game. Other sporting codes played on the day were netball, Pool, Volleyball, Table Tennis, and male soccer.
SATO games include countries such as Angola, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, and Tanzania, will be held in Durban from 28 to 31 August 2025. The Northern Cape will participate in the Male Volleyball, Ladies Pool, and Table Tennis categories.
“In 2023, the games were played in Botswana. Team SA was represented by KZN, Mpumalanga, Free State and Northern Cape. Our province participated in the female soccer category, that’s when we started having a female soccer team”, Kwenampe stated.
Gloria Oratile Oliphant, Teacher and Coach for both boys and girls at Reneilwe Primary School, shared her excitement: “I’m happy because today I was on the field, playing soccer, not just coaching.”
A sports enthusiast, Oliphant explained that she played in various positions, the defense, midfield and striker. “I also enjoy athletics and indigenous games, but my first love is soccer,” she added.
“As a youngster, I used to represent Sol Plaatje Primary School in the 200m relay and started playing soccer at Dr E.P. Lekgela High School,” she said, reflecting on how her passion for sports was honed from a young age.
SADTU advocate for teacher development and promote gender equality.
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