Picture: for illustration purposes
A looming deadline set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) could result in significant sanctions for South Africa if the government does not expedite the alignment of its anti-doping laws with the agency's requirements. Among these sanctions, the national sports teams of South Africa face the possible consequence of not being allowed to participate under their national flag or sing the national anthem at international sporting events.
The Daily Maverick reports that the South African government previously missed a deadline in January 2021 to update its anti-doping act, thus necessitating its alignment with WADA's current code. As a response, a Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spokesperson mentioned on Thursday that updates will be provided in due course.
Addressing the sport-loving South African public, federations, and athletes on the matter, Minister Zizi Kodwa reassured in a late September statement that the pending non-compliance will not influence drug testing in the country's sport.
Collaboration with WADA facilitated the drafting of the new South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) Amendment Bill, he indicated. The amended bill, now ready to face South Africa's constitutional bill finalizing process, reflects the intense effort by government to rectify the situation, according to Kodwa. Additionally, the minister confirmed his official communication with WADA President Witold Bańka and whose meeting he seeks urgently.
WADA has set a fresh deadline for compliance - October 13- leaving the South African governmental bodies with an urgent task.