Flame of Hope Torch Handed Over in Limpopo

Limpopo’s commitment to inclusive sport was highlighted this week when the MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, handed over the Flame of Hope Torch to the SAPS North West and the North West Department of Sports in Maubane.

The symbolic handover forms part of preparations for the National Celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, taking place in Rustenburg on 3 December 2025. It reflects the province’s strong support for Special Olympics programmes and its dedication to ensuring equal sporting opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Flame of Hope, a symbol of unity, hope and participation, will now be in the custodianship of the North West government ahead of the main national event.

Limpopo’s commitment to inclusive sport was further demonstrated through its performance at the 2025 SID (SASA II) Games in Cape Town. The province fielded participants from 25 supported schools, involving 253 learners and 57 educators and officials, competing in five sporting codes: futsal, athletics, cross country, netball and basketball.

The province earned an impressive second place overall, with Gauteng taking the top position and North West finishing third. Limpopo dominated several disciplines, securing:

• 1st place in Athletics
• 1st place in Futsal
• 1st place in Cross Country
• 3rd place in Netball

There were also exceptional individual achievements, including awards for:

• Player of the Tournament (Down Syndrome category)
• Best Athlete Senior Girls (Intellectually Impaired)
• Best Athlete Girls (Down Syndrome) – two recipients
• Best Athlete 2km Girls (Intellectually Impaired)

Adding to the province’s accomplishments, two Limpopo learners have been selected to represent South Africa at the COSAFA Games from 5–7 December 2025. They arrived in Cape Town on 27 November to begin preparations.

Limpopo’s growing influence in sports development was also demonstrated by Betty Phala, a U15 netball coach from the Sekhukhune South District, who recently returned from coaching at the School U15 World Cup in Singapore (22–28 November 2025).

These achievements reflect a thriving and inclusive sporting culture in the province, with strong support for both mainstream and adapted sporting codes