Abstract
M.Phil.
The aim of this study was to determine the role that USSASA played in Tshwane North district, and to provide guidelines for the organization in facilitating optimal development of school sport in the district. It was an explorative type of study with qualitative and quantitative data collected from 39 schools in the district, with two respondents per school. A representative sample of schools were randomly selected (20% per category on average) for the study, which included Farm schools (n=3), Townships schools (n=14), Ex Model C schools (n=12), Independent (Private) schools (n=5) and LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) schools (n=5). The principal and the sports organizer were targeted as respondents. Out of these, 38 schools responded, which means that 76 respondents completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire included three categories which focused on biographical Information, sport related issues and strategic partnerships. The findings indicated that USSASA had made a substantive contribution to school sport in the district. However, the demands made by schools were diverse and sometimes unachievable, especially learners from LSEN schools felt marginalized as they were not included in mainstream sport programmes and events. Furthermore, some schools were found to have their academic activities disturbed due to educator involvement in USSASA. This shows that due to unceasing demands, USSASA needs to employ full-time staff to do its work and not involve educators to such a large extent. Information flow to some schools from USSASA also did not reach the schools in time. However, USSASA provided access to wider sport participation in 18 sporting codes for many schools.
Prof. C. Burnett
Prof. W. J. Hollander