The Ministry of Sport and Recreation South Africa congratulates Khotso Mokoena, the world's long jump number two, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Mokgadi Semenya, the world's 800 metres king and queen, respectively, for their sterling performance at the just ended International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
Speaking before his departure to Mozambique, where he will be meeting his counterpart to discuss matters relating to sport in the Southern Region, Sport and Recreation Minister, Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile, said "We are encouraged by the attitude of our athletes amid controversy surrounding one of their own. One could see that even those who were not able to win a medal, were highly determined to win."
The Ministry is proud of Team SA for representing the country with aplomb. "We hope that Semenya's win will encourage the up-and-coming athletes to work even harder in their quest to achieve at the highest level," concluded Minister Stofile.
Minister Stofile also urged Athletics South Africa to unearth and support many more athletes of Semenya's calibre and contribute towards social cohesion in our country.
Enquiries:
Lerato Mogorosi
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 083 545 2411
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
25 August 2009
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za)
