South Africa’s Sport and Recreation Minister, Mr Fikile Mbalula, hosted two high level meetings today, 7 July 2011, on the sidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session to consolidate relations with key players in international sport and recreation.
Meeting withWorld Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chairperson
The first meeting was with the leadership of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). During the meeting, Minister Mablula signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Chairperson of WADA, Mr John Joseph Fayer, on South Africa’s hosting of the 4th World Conference on Doping in Sport, to be held in 2013, in Johannesburg.
After signing the MoA, Minister Mbalula said “South Africa is privileged to have been chosen as the host for this prestigious event. Through this event, we hope to share experiences and win the war against the use of performance-enhancing substances.”
WADA Chairperson, Mr Fayer said “there is no doubt that there are cheats within sport. This conference will send a strong message that there is no place for cheating in sport.”
Meeting with Prince Albert of Monaco
The second high-level meeting was with Prince Albert of Monaco to discuss possibilities for cooperation in sport between South Africa and Monaco.
Prince Albert is in South Africa as a Member of the IOC, and Minister Mbalula took advantage of the Prince’s presence at the Session to kick-start negotiations towards a Bilateral Agreement between South Africa and Monaco on sport and recreation.
Monaco is a popular destination for various sporting events and South Africa is also consolidating its position as a prime destination for mega events.
Sharing pleasantries afterwards, Minister Mbalula commended Prince Albert for his humility and his committed involvement in matters relating to sport and recreation. In response Prince Albert said he was looking forward to a closer cooperation between the two countries.
Enquiries:
Paena Galane
Cell: 079 509 9833
