The Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Minister Bathabile Dlamini, congratulates Banyana Banyana on their qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France 2019.
Banyana Banyana has previously qualified for the Olympics, the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations and have proudly represented the country in many regional tournaments. In 2017, the team brought the COSAFA Cup home.
“What is most striking is that Banyana Banyana have achieved much with less resources than their male counterparts, and with less exposure. It is totally unacceptable that, despite their achievements and responsibilities, Banyana Banyana are paid less than Bafana Bafana. Just over two years ago, we heard in Parliament that Banyana Banyana players were earning between R2 000 to R5 000 per game, while their male counterparts were earning R30 000 for a draw and R60 000 for a win” said the Minister.
The Minister further notes that although Bafana Bafana has been struggling to attract supporters to stadiums during local games, they have nonetheless continued to enjoy more media exposure and spectator attention than Banyana Banyana.
“This is a reflection of the patriarchal nature of our society. In all areas of social, political and economic life, women still have to work twice harder, and often longer, than men. Yet men often are rewarded more, even when they do less. We urge broadcasters and media to boost their coverage of Banyana games” noted the Minister.
Minister Dlamini applauds Sasol for their continued commitment to women’s football in South Africa through their long-term sponsorship of the Sasol League and Banyana Banyana.
Since the partnership between SAFA and Sasol came into effect, there have been notable advances in the calibre and form of the women’s national team and in women’s development soccer in general.
The Minister congratulates Coach Desiree Ellis for her dedication to South African women’s football, and also on her lifetime achievement of being the first South African to win the COSAFA Women’s Championship as both a player and a coach.
Enquiries:
Mandla Tshabalala
Cell: 084 304 6239
E-mail: mandla.tshabalala@women.gov.za
