On 5 April 2012, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) convened a public hearing into gender transformation in women's football. This hearing was based on an initial complaint received from the South African Women's Football Association (SAWFA), who alleged that the South African Football Association (SAFA) was not taking the interests of women’s football into consideration, had denied them membership, and had failed to implement the resolutions of the Soccer Indaba of 1997 and Football Commission of 2002, in relation to the formulation and implementation of programmes to support and uplift women’s football.
The Honourable Nompi Nhlapo, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports for the Gauteng Legislature, gave a keynote address, noting that it is not only the government that is obliged to comply with the requirements of the Constitution, but all sectors of South African society, including sports bodies such as SAFA.
Honourable Nhlapo stressed the need to ensure the promotion of women in sport, and that as a society, we cannot tolerate gender inequality and oppression. She noted with concern the fact that gender transformation in South Africa is moving too slowly, and that the state and SAFA should move to fast-track measures to ensure gender transformation.
The CGE noted at the outset the fact that the SAWFA complaint had been investigated by the CGE, correspondence entered into between SAFA and SAWFA, and a mediation process convened. This led to the need for the CGE to initiate a broader investigation into gender transformation in women’s football, to determine the policies, mechanisms and measures put in place by SAFA to promote and support women’s football. Accordingly, SAFA was requested to appear before the hearing and present their responses to specific questions provided to further the investigation.
The CGE noted with concern that despite the fact that written responses had been requested of SAFA by 22 March, SAFA had neglected to comply. The CGE was further disturbed that the SAFA President had designated SAFA’s HOD: Legal and Compliance, supported by their attorneys, to appear before the hearing.
SAFA representatives confirmed receipt of questions and notice of the hearing, but stated that they had not completed their responses, and requested that the hearing be adjourned. The CGE expressed its dissatisfaction at the disregard for the location, powers and processes of the CGE demonstrated by SAFA, and that there was no option but to adjourn. The CGE stated however that written responses to the questions should be submitted within 14 working days, failing which the CGE would issue a subpoena to the President.
The CGE noted further that all costs associated with the hearing would be issued for SAFA’s account. Honourable Nhlapo noted further her extreme frustration and dissatisfaction with SAFA’s disregard for the Constitution, the CGE as a Chapter 9 Institution, those who had availed themselves to participate in the hearing, and the matter of gender transformation. She noted that she would report this matter to her Portfolio Committee and initiate a process in response.
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Malebo Boikanyo
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Commission for Gender Equality Gender Transformation in Women's Football, hearing on SAWFA Complaint
