The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation says it is elated that it managed to successfully host the 2025 National Provincial Softball Champions, without any disruptions.
The championships which ran between 19-22 March 2025, were held in partnership with the North West Provincial Sports Confederation (NWPSC) and Softball South Africa (SSA), at the Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg.
The tournament consisted of about 495 participants from all nine provinces of the country, each comprising 55 team members made up of both males and females, coaches, technical officials, and medical personnel.
Speaking to Newsnote, the Department’s Chief Director, George Marindi said preparations went well ahead of the competition.
“On the last day of the Limpopo hosting, we were announced as the hosts of the 2025 games, so we started last year with the preparations.
What was more important for us was the hosting venue.
We needed a more spacious venue to host such games, and fortunately enough our engagements with the Bafokeng were fruitful.
As soon as we secured the venue, all systems went and everything went well,” said Marindi.
Furthermore, Marindi highlighted the economic benefits to the province from hosting the championships.
“This will not only put us high on the sporting map, but since we have hosted a successful tournament, there’ll be an economic spinoff.
Most of the provinces that are here are buying food here, they are sleeping at an accommodation owned by a Rustenburg business owner.
So, since their arrival, businesses have been benefiting,” explained Marindi.
According to Marindi, the department also aims to use the championships to identify talent and promote tourism in the province.
In addition, the Chief Director continued to make an appeal for the promotion of Softball in schools.
He’s optimistic about the growth of the sport in the province, citing that it is supported by many teachers at some of the schools.
Meanwhile, Limpopo men and Western Cape women teams won the Championships in their respective categories.
