Who We Are Our Story
In 1975, two South Coast locals, Johan Perold and Leon Scholtz, transformed their vision into reality by founding South Africa’s first sports academy. At the time, Leon was a teacher at Suid-Natal High School, having previously worked in the media.
He began receiving calls from schools across the country seeking help in organizing sports and holiday tours to the South Coast. As these requests increasingly included assistance with accommodation and meals, it became clear that there was a growing demand for structured sports tours in the region.
With the blessing of Johan’s father, the pair launched a sports school on one of the family’s properties in Umtentweni, near Port Shepstone. They began planning and constructing the facilities that would eventually become part of what is now known as Sportweni. In its inaugural year, students paid just R7 per week, which covered both lodging and meals.
Tragically, Johan’s father passed away unexpectedly, prompting Johan to step away from Sportweni to manage the family’s business affairs. Leon, together with his wife Stippie, continued to run the academy on their own. Throughout the 1980s, Sportweni evolved into a full-time enterprise and gained national recognition.
In 1991, Leon Scholtz’s eldest daughter, Ilse, and her husband, Rudi Steyn, joined the growing Sportweni enterprise. Both came from strong sporting backgrounds-Ilse had represented the Lower South Coast in netball during her school years, while Rudi was playing provincial cricket for the Free State at the time.
His cricket career later expanded to include stints with Natal and Northerns, and he proudly represented South Africa during the 1995/1996 season.
By 1994, Rudi and Ilse had taken over the day-to-day management of Sportweni. Today, they coordinate and market a wide range of sports tours, which annually attract between 3,000 and 4,000 young participants from across the country.
Sportweni Sports Academy And Tour
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Our Accommodation Partners
A diverse array of accommodation partners that will meet your needs.
Admiral’s View
Admiral’s View is situated 3km from the sports fields. Facilities include a restaurant and stunning sea views. Bedding is supplied.
Ambleside Apartments
Ambleside Lodge provides accommodation for smaller groups. The lodge consists of various size rooms, a swimming pool and are within walking distance of the Umtentweni beach. Bedding is provided and meals will be served at the nearby Umthunzi Hotel.
Banana Beach Club
Banana Beach Club offers easy access to explore nearby attractions and a number of fantastic on-site facilities, you have the use of a swimming pool with speed slide and a multi-court where you can play cricket, soccer and basketball to name only a few. Only 50m to a beautiful swimming beach. Bedding is provided.
Banana Beach Holiday Resort
Banana Beach Holiday Resort offers an all encompassing retreat with fully equipped units & easy access to explore nearby attractions. Only 50m to a beautiful swimming beach. Bedding is provided.
Hillbillion Estate
Hillbillion has the most amazing 180 degree views, as it is situated in the Oslo Beach area on top of a hill. It has a ladies bar, dining area and a swimming pool to go with its upmarket rooms that can accommodate 50 people. Bedding is provided.
Peace Cottage
Situated in the laid-back seaside town of Uvongo. With a walking distance of only 5 min from Uvongo main beach. All units are fully equipped with open-plan living areas with a kitchen and lounge. The bedrooms are fitted with double or single beds. Bedding is provided, bring your own towels.
Port Shepstone High School Hostel
This hostel provides comfortable accommodation. The food they provide is excellent. Please note, scholars and teachers need to provide their own bedding.
Saints View Resort
6 Sleeper, fully equipped unit with bedding provided. Saints View offers access to an outdoor swimming pool, braai facilities, and a convenient lift. Located right on the Uvongo beachfront, just a 5-minute walk to the swimming beach.
Suid Natal High School
This hostel provides comfortable accommodation, was recently upgraded, and has very neat communal bathrooms. The food they provide is excellent. Please note, scholars and teachers need to provide their own bedding.
The Notebook Hotel
This newly renovated hotel offers fully equipped rooms with uncapped Wi-Fi, air conditioning, modern en-suite bathrooms, and security features. 1.5 km to a swimming beach. Bedding is provided.
Tweni Waterfront Guest Lodge
This venue is situated on the Umtentweni River, has ample parking, and a swimming pool. It’s an all-in-one retreat situated approximately 800 meters from the Umtentweni beach with nearby attractions. Bedding is provided.
The Palms
The Palms is a beautiful seaside holiday resort in Sunwich Port where picture-perfect holidays are made. It offers direct access to the beach. Bedding is provided.
Umthunzi Boutique Hotel
This award winning, uniquely affordable luxury venue is situated within walking distance from Umtentweni main beach.
Combined with luxury, the stunning sea views add to the overall beauty of this lovely venue. Bedding is provided.
SPORTWENI
