Share

Cabinet concerned about IAAF's new 'Semenya' rules

Cape Town - Cabinet has expressed concerns over the developments regarding the new regulations of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Last month, the global athletics governing body, the IAAF, announced new rules, with a separate female classification for athletes with differences of sexual development (or DSD).

Such athletes, including South African athletic star Caster Semenya, will have to reduce and then maintain their testosterone levels to no greater than 5nmol/L by November 1, 2018, if they want to compete in events ranging from 400m to a mile.

Read: IAAF to Semenya: Lower testosterone levels or quit, report says 

Semenya has dominated the women's 800m over the last few years, with some of the athletes continually left in her dust, complaining that they are at a disadvantage.

Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane on Thursday presented a briefing on Wednesday's Cabinet meeting to the media.

"Cabinet welcomes the work being done by the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa and, the fact that a high-level panel of experts in the related fields of medicine and law assembled by SRSA.

"This panel will study these regulations closely and interrogate the scientific evidence that the IAAF had relied upon. It will evaluate all available research and scientific evidence, as well as related ethical issues, and use the outcome to challenge these regulations in the appropriate forums," reads the statement.

"We want to assume these regulations have nothing to do with the capabilities of Caster Semenya," added Mokonyane.

She said Cabinet was calling on South Africans to support all athletes who may be affected by these regulations, both here at home and in the rest of the world.

KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE