|
Target shooting: More talks
12/03/2003 20:45 - (SA)
Cape Town - Education Minister Kader Asmal will hold further consultations on target shooting as a sport at certain schools, his department said on Wednesday.
This follows widespread criticism of the decision reached between Asmal and Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota last week.
In terms of the agreement, ownership of the rifles used for target shooting at about 266 public schools would be transferred to Asmal's department.
In a statement on Wednesday, the education department said it was unfortunate that some news reports had created the impression that the department "is about to extend target shooting as a sport to all schools in South Africa, and that schools are about to be issued with guns, or more precisely sporting .22 rifles".
The sport had existed in certain schools for many years, and the Council of Education Ministers' intent was specifically to regulate the sport as it currently existed, and to ensure it complied with properly constituted sporting codes.
It was also an officially recognised Olympic sport, in which South Africa participated.
The department was adamant that if it was to continue being recognised as a school sport, it had to conform to the applicable sporting codes of conduct and the principles of non-racialism.
"To this end only schools where the sport currently exists have been encouraged to ensure participation of previously disadvantaged students.
"It should be further emphasised that all target rifles currently being used are properly stored in secure conditions, and that no unauthorised use has been reported, nor have any injuries resulted, as has occurred with certain other sports, such as rugby," the statement said.
"The education department will also ensure that all rifles have been properly licensed.
"Unlike certain martial arts, sports target shooting is not designed to engender a sense of violence, malevolence or militarism.
Selebi: 'No way'
"This was ensured some years back when it was separated from the cadets system. Ultimately the cadet system at schools was abolished."
The department was concerned by public perceptions and the connotations attached to the sport, especially in relation to the department's commitment to gun-free schools and the violence that affected so many communities.
"If in any way target shooting as a school sport had contributed to this situation, the sport would not have been allowed to continue.
"However, given comments and concerns that have emanated from both the public and from certain officials, the minister of education has decided to hold further consultations with the ministers of safety and security and of sport, as well as the relevant national sporting bodies responsible for the sport on the future and nature of the sport at public schools," the statement said.
During a briefing to the National Assembly's safety and security committee earlier on Wednesday, National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi made it clear he opposed the sport at schools.
"No way" should target shooting at schools be allowed in South Africa. The police would much rather destroy the rifles in question, he said.
|
News
