South Africa Professionalizes Women's Sports

By Staff Reporter

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, announced Friday his commitment to convene a panel of experts to spearhead the development of a comprehensive plan aimed at professionalizing women’s netball and football.

Speaking at a ministerial breakfast event in Johannesburg, Kodwa conveyed his dismay at the ongoing deliberations regarding the imperative of equitable remuneration for women within the realm of sports.

“Gender equity is an essential facet of human rights. It is imperative that women receive equitable compensation within the domain of sports. If necessary, we will enact legislation to ensure parity in pay. The accomplishments of female athletes have etched a lasting impact on the commemoration of the 2023 Women’s Month,” he emphasized.

In the lead-up to Banyana Banyana’s participation in the FIFA World Cup held across Australia and New Zealand, the team found itself embroiled in a contractual dispute with the South African Football Association (SAFA).

Media accounts revealed that the conflict with SAFA revolved around contractual terms and bonus remunerations.

“I extend a challenge to the corporate sector to collaborate with the ministry in fostering an environment wherein we embrace, nurture, and applaud excellence across all sporting disciplines,” Kodwa stated.