SA sporting bodies banned from bidding for major events

Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula says government is revoking the privilege of the South African Rugby Union, Cricket South Africa, Netball South Africa and Athletics South Africa to bid to host big sporting events, due to a lack of transformation in these sporting codes. 

He'd been speaking at the release of the the Eminent Persons Group on Transformation in Sport report,  compiled by an independent commission, in Pretoria. 

"It is not my intention to disrupt the momentum gained from the implementation of the transformation barometer and the global competitive edge of some federations and sports bodies. However, I am mindful of the urgent task for federations to move with speed in the direction of providing quality of opportunities and access to the youth of our country. 

"I will review this decision when considering the results of the 2016/2017 transformation barometer," he said.