SA to appeal WADA decision preventing national teams from flying flag
Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa says the government will be appealing WADA’s decision to prevent South Africa's national teams from flying the national flag.
"As it pertains to the flying of the national flag, (it) has created unnecessary hysteria and has punished athletes and players unfairly competing for the pride of our nation, South Africa.”
Last month, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Compliance Review Committee recommended that current South African legislation is non-compliant with the 2021 World Anti-Doping Code.
WADA’s executive committee later endorsed the decision.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Kodwa confirmed the filing of the appeal means the South African flag will still be flying at current events such as the Cricket and Rugby world cups.
"It is not to delay or to kick the can down the road; it is to resolve the problem, and the problem is to make sure that we are compliant. Of course, there are many other events that are coming that are creating a little bit of anxiety, but our purpose now is that we want to find a permanent solution.
"That permanent solution is South Africa's commitment to anti-doping that is unquestionable, and I think if we want to do so, let's make sure we mend several provisions so that we are compliant."
Kodwa said his department had since pulled out all stops to resolve the non-compliance by getting the SAIDS Amendment Bill adopted expeditiously.
He says the grounds for appeal are strong and that the government believes the sanctions are not appropriate.
