Minister Zizi Kodwa meets with Russian Federation Sport Minister

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Mr Zizi Kodwa met with the Russian Federation Minister of Sport, Dr Oleg Matytsin on Tuesday, 24 October 2023.
 
The bilateral meeting sought to further strengthen ties between South Africa and Russia in the field of sport. The meeting also emphasised the important role of sport to unite people.
 
Minister Matytsin congratulated South Africa for hosting a successful BRICS Games. The 2023 BRICS Games took place in Durban, and for the first time, included Paralympians participating in tennis and table tennis.
 
Minister Kodwa and Minister Matytsin agreed on the need for Governments to work together to protect the integrity and sovereignty of states in sport governance.
 
Minister Kodwa expressed the importance of using sport to unite people.
 
Minister Kodwa says, "As former President Nelson Mandela said, sport unites people in a way little else can. We must use sport to strengthen people to people relations."
 
Minister Kodwa adds, "I look forward to the next BRICS Games, which take place in Kazan, Russia. The BRICS Games have proven to be an excellent platform to promote collaboration between countries."
 
The Minister further states, "We are at a time when governments must collaborate and cooperate with each other to address global challenges. This is important for maintaining the integrity and sovereignty of governments in efforts to further multilaterism."
 
Media enquiries:
Mr Litha Mpondwana, Media Liaison Officer: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: LithaM@dsac.gov.za
Cell: 064 802 3003
 
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
Cell: 072 172 8925