Opening a Window on Early Twentieth-Century School Sport in Cape Town Society |
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| Authors: | Francois J Cleophas |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Sport Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, Republic of South Africafcleophas@sun.ac.za |
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| Abstract: | An attempt was made at recording structured sport in non-White schools in Cape Town, South Africa, prior to 1956. The study was introduced with a historical presentation of sport at mission schools. It was shown how these schools inherited a legacy of deprivation and neglect that impacted upon sport participation. Yet, champion sportspersons at these schools gained some recognition in a racist and hostile society. This was possible due to the efforts of a few Teachers' League of South Africa (TLSA) campaigners who saw sport development as part of their mission of uplifting children in their charge. The TLSA attempted organising athletic meetings from 1916 onwards. Teachers belonging to this organisation were instrumental in establishing the first mass-based school sport organisation in Cape Town in 1928, the Central School Sports Union (CSU). This organisation was the only avenue of meaningful sport participation for most of Cape Town's marginalised children. A study of the CSU enables historians to open a window not only on social and political complexities of school sport but also on the broader early twentieth-century Cape society. |
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| Keywords: | Cape Town Central School Sport Union Coloured mission schools Teachers' League of South Africa |
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