The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has been on record about the handling of the Caster Semenya gender row, saying the whole process was unfortunate and regrettable. We feel the action of the South African Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) is long overdue.
The suspension of the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Board and the sudden apology by the entire board should not be seen as vindication or as way of covering up for those at the wrong end of this debacle. Individuals should come out and clearly states their involvement in the whole saga as we try to seek closure in this matter. Although, an apology is warranted under the circumstances, the central issue however is Ms Semenya who has suffered an enormous amount of public humiliation and psychological trauma.
The CGE calls upon SASCOC to extend its engagement on this matter to the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) as this board has significantly infringed on Ms Semenya's rights whether deliberately or not. It is also time to put the matter to rest in the most sensible way so as to avoid past mistakes. The public spat between ASA and SASCOC should be avoided at all costs as this seeks to undermine or divert attention from the real issue which is the handling of the gender verification tests and the subsequent denials thereof.
The CGE calls on all stakeholders to exercise caution going forward and seek guidance where necessary from those with expertise. The negative publicity this matter generated if possible should be avoided as those directly involved try to outwit one another.
Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality
10 November 2009
