North-West Cricket and North-West Department of Education strengthen school cricket partnership

North-West Cricket (NWC) and the North-West Department of Education (NWDoE) have taken a bold and united step forward in championing the development of school cricket across the province. In a recent strategic engagement, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive and accessible cricket ecosystem, spanning from primary schools to provincial age-group structures.

The collaboration places a sharp focus on aligning efforts to strengthen the entire cricket pipeline, beginning with the KFC Mini-Cricket Programme and progressing through the youth and school systems into formal provincial structures. This renewed approach not only prioritises sporting excellence but also emphasises educational impact, community involvement and long-term development.

In powering Grassroots Development, among the key topics on the table were:

• Sustainable solutions for transport logistics, ensuring learners from all backgrounds can participate in structured cricket activities.

• Provision of KFC Mini-Cricket equipment to primary schools under the Hubs Development Programme.

• Greater involvement of school teachers in the coaching, administration and coordination of cricket activities to ensure continuity and community ownership.

“This partnership remains vital to ensuring that cricket continues to thrive in our schools,” said Solomon Meki, Cricket Services Manager at NWC. “With the support of the Department of Education, we can ensure that learners across the province are given the platform and tools to participate and progress through the cricket pipeline.”

A Unified Vision for Youth Empowerment, where representatives from both institutions echoed a common vision: that sport, particularly cricket, must be used as a transformative tool in the development of young people. The Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to enabling holistic learner development through school sport by working together with North-West Cricket.

“We believe in creating an environment where every learner, regardless of background or location, has the opportunity to participate in well-resourced, inclusive, and impactful sports programs,” said Raymond Mofolo, Chief Education Specialist – School Enrichment Programs.

By building a legacy for the next generation, the province continues to produce top-tier cricket talent and community leaders through its school sport structures. This partnership aims to build more than just competitive cricketers — it aims to nurture disciplined, driven and empowered young citizens.

North-West Cricket CEO, Ismail Minty, emphasized the long-term impact: “Our goal is not just to grow the game, but to deepen its roots in every classroom, community and corridor of the North West. This partnership is about building a sustainable legacy, one child, one coach, and one school at a time.”

Key Stakeholders in Attendance:

• Mr Raymond Mofolo – Chief Education Specialist, School Enrichment Programs

• Mr Thebe Sekoto – Deputy Chief Education Specialist, School Sports

• Mr Ismail Minty – Chief Executive Officer, North-West Cricket

• Mr Solomon Meki – Cricket Services Manager, North-West Cricket

• Mr Kenneth Masinga – Youth Cricket Coordinator, North-West Cricket

As preparations for the 2025/26 cricket season gain momentum, this renewed partnership promises to be a cornerstone for growth, ensuring that cricket remains a powerful force for youth development, education and community building in the North West.