Zuma speaks out about Semenya
25 August 2009, 15:02
Rumours that gold medallist Caster Semenya was not a woman were wrong and ill-spirited, President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.
Briefing the media in Pretoria after meeting Semenya and her fellow medal-winning athletes Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Khotso Mokoena, Zuma said Semenya showcased women's achievements, power and strength.
"Miss Semenya had also reminded the world of the importance of the right to human dignity and privacy which should be enjoyed by all human beings," said Zuma.
In recognition of the supremacy of these rights, the government wished to register its displeasure at the manner in which Semenya was treated.
Zuma said Sport and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile had written to the International Association of Athletics Federations, which decided that Semenya should undergo genetic testing.
He said the ministry would follow up on the matter.
"It is one thing to seek to ascertain whether or not an athlete has an unfair advantage over others, but it is another to publicly humiliate an honest, professional and competent athlete," he said, extending his support to Semenya and her family.
"Continue to walk tall mokgadi, we are proud of you, we love you. These events should not distract us from celebrating your outstanding achievements on the track".
Zuma said the rumours were "wrong" and dampened the spirit of the young people.
"It was started deliberately to cause a kind of confusion and dampen the spirits of the country unnecessarily," he said.
When asked about reports that the rumour emanated from South Africa, Zuma said: "If it did, those South Africans are really not demonstrating their patriotism to a serious degree."
Throughout the address, Semenya sat silently with her eyes turned towards the ground. - Sapa
Pretoria
