WADA: Minister Kodwa has nothing to celebrate

11 October 2023

The DA notes that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has spared South Africa from the consequences of not complying with its updated anti-doping code - for now.

WADA confirmed receiving formal notification from the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport, disputing the allegations of non-compliance.

However, the DA finds it deeply concerning that it reached this point.

The DA has been highlighting this issue since last year and warned the government that non-compliance to the World Anti-Doping Code would have serious consequences. Our warnings unfortunately fell on deaf ears and the Department of Sports came within an inch of causing the biggest embarrassment in South African sports history.

The DA believes that Sports Minister, Zizi Kodwa, needs to be held accountable and ultimately carries the primary responsibility for preserving the interests of South African athletes and guaranteeing their compliance with international anti-doping regulations. Unfortunately, the ministry's consistent inaction despite repeated warnings from the DA in Parliament is a clear indication of a failure to fulfil his fundamental duty.

We call on the Minister to release all correspondence with WADA on the matter in the interest of transparency.

Our citizens are persevering in spite of the government, not thanks to it. The legislation in question was straightforward, yet it was not executed. This incident is a disgrace.

It must be made very clear that Minister Kodwa has nothing to celebrate here. The ANC government had two years to deal with this matter and did nothing. The announcement to challenge this was made three days before the deadline and a World Cup quarterfinal match.

Issued by Solly Malatsi, DA National Spokesperson, 11 October 2023