Reconstructing a Socio-Political Narrative of High School Athletics in the Oppressed Communities of the Greater Cape Peninsula, South Africa, 1973–1994

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article reconstructs the history of the Western Province Senior Schools Sports Union with specific reference to high school athletics in the oppressed communities of the greater Cape Peninsula. The article looks specifically at the athletics competitions that took place at the Athlone Stadium and gives a tabular presentation of athletics competitions during the period under review. It presents the performances of outstanding athletes and juxtaposes these against White, establishment athletes. It provides an overview of the role of the South African Council on Sport (SACOS) and the impact it had on the participation of high school students in sport. Finally, the article looks at the socio-political factors that led to the demise of the Union in 1994.