Cultural Affairs and Sport

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), runs several programmes and initiatives during the school holidays to engage children and youth, particularly in township and rural communities. These initiatives focus on sports, arts, culture, and youth development, providing safe and constructive activities. Here are some key programmes:

School Sport Programmes:

1. Winter Sport Camps & Clinics: Coaching clinics in football, rugby, netball, cricket, and athletics in disadvantaged areas.
2. Youth Sport Tournaments: Local competitions to keep youth active and identify talent.
3. MOD Centres: Holiday programmes at MOD centres across the province, offering sport, recreation, and life skills.
4. MOD Sports Festivals: Multi-sport events in townships and rural areas.

 Public Libraries include:

1. Storytelling and reading events: Most public libraries run themed storytime sessions, often leading into craft or play-based activities to reinforce each story. Story hours sometimes feature visits by local authors for reading out loud in relaxed, fun sessions.
2. Arts, crafts and creative workshops: Programmes include painting, card making, and hands-on creative tasks. 
3. Puppet shows and performances: Interactive puppet theatre, face painting, music, games, and small performances are often part of the holiday offering.
4. Games, puzzles and competitions: Competitive and recreational activities such as chess tournaments, puzzles, quizzes, and board games
5. Special features and collaborations: Public libraries host film afternoons, visits by external organisations, e.g. Shark experiences, literacy or sustainability lesson programmes, and sometimes exhibitions or guest speakers.

Some examples by area:

1. George libraries (e.g. George, Conville, Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu branches): operated holiday programmes featuring story hours, indigenous games, run by youth volunteers and Yeboneers. Pacaltsdorp public library held a special programme for children on how to care of their pets
2. Overstrand (Hermanus and Hawston areas): activities included puppet shows, featured arts and crafts, crocheting, shark-awareness workshops, and similar one-hour themed sessions for 6–12 year olds.
3. Stellenbosch: National Sea Rescue visited the Klapmuts public library as part of the holiday programme  providing free, fun and interactive water safer presentations and activities
4. Kannaland: Ladysmith public library held a reading competition over the holiday period

Arts & Culture:

Creative Arts Workshops: Drama, dance, music, and visual arts sessions in community halls.

Heritage & Museum Programmes:

Museums are open and operational during the school holiday period. These museums play an important role in providing safe, educational, and engaging spaces for children and young people, including in township and rural communities.

Each affiliated museum offers public and educational programming during the holidays. These include exhibitions, educational programmes and guided tours. The programmes are designed to promote social inclusion, critical thinking, and an appreciation of local heritage—while also providing meaningful engagement for children outside of school time.

A key example is the Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum, which is located in the township of Lwandle, just outside Strand. Lwandle Museum is uniquely positioned within a historically significant community and offers exhibitions that speaks directly to the lived experience of local residents.

YearBeyond Programmes:

Via YearBeyond we run holiday programmes in the April and June school holidays at libraries and over 200 schools where YearBeyond is running programmes. These provide safe, fun spaces for learners.  

These programmes aim to keep youth engaged, develop skills, and reduce risky behaviour during the holidays. For exact schedules, communities should check with local municipalities, schools, or DCAS offices.