Springboks, Proteas face national flag and anthem ban over doping compliance
The Department of Sports Arts and Culture says efforts are underway to expedite the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill into law.
This comes after a warning from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that the current South African legislation is not compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code.
In a statement released on 22 September, WADA said its Executive Committee decided to endorse ten recommendations of WADA’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC).
It further named Bermuda and South Africa as the only two countries that are not compliant with three Anti-Doping Organizations with the World Anti-Doping Code.
"The two National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) in question are Bermuda and South Africa, and the Major Event Organization (MEO) in question is the Pan American Sports Organization (Panam Sports).
“In the cases of the Bermuda and South Africa NADOs, the non-compliance is a result of legislation not in line with the 2021 Code. The proposed consequences and reinstatement conditions for these NADOs can be found here.
“For Panam Sports, the non-compliance is a result of non-conformities in implementing an effective testing program,” said WADA in a statement.
The consequences for not complying with the code would mean that next week’s Rugby World Cup 2023 quarterfinal might see the Springboks playing without the South African flag and unable to sing the national anthem.
This will also apply to the Proteas at the Cricket World Cup in India which starts on Thursday.
"For all signatories above, it should be noted that the decision (including the consequences) will enter into force on 14 October 2023, unless the non-conformities are corrected by that date, or unless the decision is appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the same date," said WADA.
In a statement released on 22 September, Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa assured athletes, sports federations, and the sports public that the non-compliance finding will not affect drug testing in South African sports.
"SAIDS will continue to deliver services that protect clean sport in South Africa
“The South African government process for promulgating legislation is thorough and comprehensive. Any legislation, including amendments, must meet the muster of the South African Constitution and cannot contradict or nullify any existing laws," added Kodwa.
Koswa has requested an urgent meeting with WADA President Witold Bańka on South Africa’s position.
The department told Jacaranda FM News that their communication continues with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The department will issue another update in due course.
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