21 August 2009
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) extends its congratulations to South African athlete Mokgadi Caster Semenya on her illustrious and sterling performance that won her the gold medal in the 800 meters race at the world Athletics Championships in Berlin.
Her win in a month designated by our nation as Women’s Month has done our country and the African continent proud. It is an encouragement to many young women who still battle gender discrimination to remain determined in defying all gender based stereotypes that still permeate many facets of life throughout the globe, particularly in sport.
We would also like to condemn in the strongest possible terms media reports and utterarances by certain officials of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) questioning her gender. We view these chauvinistic reports and rumours of a "sex verification process" as vicious attack on the dignity of Caster Semenya and all women athletes because they suggest that women can only perform to a certain level and that those who exceed this level should be men.
These deplorable chauvinistic reports and gender stereotypes undermine the iconic resolve and determination of women's quest for equality in all facets of life, including sport.
All ANCWL Members across the country are instructed to welcome Semenya by doing a picketing in all CBD's of all Provinces on Tuesday morning.
ANCWL Members from Gauteng province will be picketing in all regions on Monday 24 August 2009.
On Tuesday morning ANCWL Members and all its officials led by the ANCWL President, Comrade Angie Motshekga will be showing support for Semenya, our golden girl, by welcoming her at the O.R. Tambo International Airport on Tuesday 25 August 2009 at 9am.
We call on all the global media and the IAAF to immediately cease paddling these deplorable insults.
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU GOLDEN GIRL
Issued by:
NOSIPHO DOROTHY NTWANAMBI
Deputy President of the ANCWL
For enquiries contact:
VUYI MANYANDELA
ANCWL Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 331 2452
E-mail: vuyim@anc.org.za