Xasa jets off to Switzerland to support Semenya
Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa will leave the country for Switzerland on Wednesday to support Olympic champion Caster Semenya in her battle against the IAAF in the Court of Arbitrationfor Sport.
Xasa has previously said the IAAF’s case against Caster has “racial undertones”.
The IAAF wants to implement a new set of rules that would force athletes, especially women, who have Differences in of Sexual Development (DSD), to reduce their testosterone to female levels before competing internationally.
Xasa says she will convey a message of support from the government, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, and listen to the arguments presented by the IAAF and Athletics South Africa.
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“I will also engage members of the media and address the international community on South Africa's stance on human rights principles and scientific research in relation to female classification or reclassification.”
The minister’s spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga, says the department is in talks with the court to allow Xasa to attend proceedings.
"We are arranging with the officials of Switzerland that she is allowed to sit in the court so she's able to brief South Africans."
Xasa is expected back in South Africa by Friday.