Govt supports professionalising of women's football, netball - Kodwa
Minister of Sports Zizi Kodwa says the government would love to see women's football and netball becoming professional.
Kodwa hosted a breakfast for Banyana Banyana and SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national women’s football and netball teams in Sandton on Thursday morning.
Banyana Banyana made history in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand by becoming the first South African national football team – men or women – to progress from the group stages of the tournament.
South Africa also hosted its first-ever Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
The Proteas finished sixth, and Kodwa praised the team for "showing a great fight in the tournament, which endeared them to South Africans".
Team South Africa also won 20 medals at the recent Summer World University Games in Chengdu, China. Fifteen of the winners were women.
"A special mention should be made to athlete Marlie Viljoen, who won a gold medal for the 400 metres athletics race, and swimmer Erin Gallagher, who won four silver medals at these games. At the recent Commonwealth Youth Games, Alicia Khunou won gold medals for the shot put and discus," said Kodwa.
He said the government understands that women should be given support it they are to thrive in their respective disciplines.
"We owe it to them to do all in our power to afford them the recognition and support they deserve and more. May today’s celebrations be the catalyst for the continued honouring of our elite sportswomen.
"I challenge corporate SA to join the department in ensuring that as a country, we recognise, cultivate and celebrate excellence across sporting codes.
"I have repeatedly supported the full professionalising of women’s football and netball in South Africa," added Kodwa.
At the same time he expressed disappointment at the gender pay gap.
"Women’s rights are human rights. Women must at least be paid equally in sports. If we must, we will make laws to enforce equal pay."
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