North West Premier, Maureen Modiselle is expected to join the people of the North West when they converge in Mmabatho today to pledge solidarity with gold medallist Caster Semenya and to celebrate her achievements in Berlin.
Semenya, the 800 m gold medallist, found herself mired in controversy when her gender was questioned following her impressive performance. The picket, which will take place at an open space between the Provincial Legislature building and the Mmabatho High Court will also express outrage at the treatment Semenya endured at the hands of International Association of Athletics Association (IAAF). Premier Modiselle described Caster Semenya as a patriot of exceptional talent who deserved to be treated better.
The picket starts at 12h00 and is planned to coincide with her arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport.
The organisers are calling on all people of the North West, especially in and around Mafikeng to join the picket.
Meanwhile Premier Modiselle congratulated Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Khotso Mokoena for doing the country proud by bringing home gold and silver medals respectively.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Cell: 082 578 4063
Tel: 018 387 3456
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
25 August 2009
