Parliament: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprise, Ms Vytjie Mentor, says the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) and the media must share the blame for the approach taken in sexually discriminating against South African athletic star Ms Caster Semenya.
A report leaked to an Australian newspaper claimed that the middle-distance athlete does not have a womb or ovaries, and that she has internal testes. Ms Semenya came under attack amid speculation that she does not meet the requirements to compete as a woman.
Ms Mentor said Athletics South Africa (ASA) should state what role they were playing in assisting and supporting their star athlete: "Semenya is not a cheat and will never be a cheat," she said. The Chairperson said the leak had been deliberate. She called on the IAAF to act on the matter, instead of insisting that it would release the gender verification results in November.
The Chairperson said despite the leaked report she would continue with the two Private Members Legislative proposals to amend laws so that Commission on Gender Equality and Human Rights Commission could support Ms Semenya and other South Africans. On behalf of Ms Semenya, Parliament would also demand compensation from the IAAF for the abuse and prejudice that she had been subjected to.
"I find it strange that people with criminal deeds and those that are anti-human rights are nestled in Australia," Ms Mentor said.
For enquiries or interviews with the chairperson, please contact:
Ms Yoliswa Landu
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8203
Cell: 073 738 0182
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
14 September 2009
