The ANC has stressed the importance of swiftly resolving the deadlock between Banyana Banyana and the SA Football Association (SAFA) and called upon sports federations to proactively address gender equality concerns within the realm of sports.
Banyana players, scheduled to depart for Australia/New Zealand on Wednesday, found themselves embroiled in a dispute with the national association regarding World Cup bonuses and participation fees. Consequently, the team decided to boycott their send-off match against Botswana in Tsakane on Sunday.
Expressing their disappointment, the governing party released a statement on Wednesday addressing the impasse.
“Banyana Banyana is the pride of our nation and the best-performing national team at the moment. This unnecessary stand-off, as well as the controversy that surrounds it, is a disappointing distraction as Banyana Banyana prepares to take on the world. This is the team whose outstanding performance and track record on the field of play has captured the imagination of our nation. They deserve to be rewarded accordingly. The gender pay wage gap in any sector does not accord with non-sexism, a principle enshrined in the country’s constitution,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
Bhengu-Motsiri reaffirmed the ANC’s confidence in Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, expressing their belief that he possesses the capability to address and champion the cause of gender equality in sports.
“The ANC is encouraged by the mediation role of the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Comrade Zizi Kodwa. We are confident that his mediation efforts will resolve the impasse and ensure that the two parties find one another in the interest of the country.
“We wish Banyana Banyana the best and hope that they will, once again, fly the South African flag high during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia,” she said.
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