Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Tertuis Simmers
The DA commends the Western Cape Government’s proactive intervention to ensure the stranded Cape Town-based BT Football Academy players and coaches in Portugal return home safely. See photos here, here and here.
After learning about the harrowing story, Ricardo Mackenzie, Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, immediately deviated from his international trip to meet with the stranded group, which includes 25 kids between the ages of 13 and 18 years old and three coaches.
While there has already been private funding raised, the Western Cape Government will provide additional funding to fast-track the return journey to South Africa.
Reports indicate that the group’s visas will expire soon. This has inflicted severe trauma on the parents longing for their children’s arrival.
The DA strongly condemns BT Football Academy’s owners for their abysmal planning, costly oversight and failure to remedy the distressing situation.
We are calling on the Academy’s decision-makers to be held accountable for their actions (or lack thereof). Not only has the group’s reunion with their families been delayed, many of the children will also miss the start of Term 3 of the school year.
The physical and emotional well-being of the group and ensuring their safe return to their respective families are top priorities for the DA.
We thank the Western Cape Government for taking charge to help boost the group’s spirits and for their pivotal role in ensuring their safe return home