Parliament of South Africa

07/02/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/03/2022 09:27

Media Statement: Committee Chairperson on Sport Wishes Banyana Banyana Well in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022

Parliament, Saturday, 2 July 2022 - The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Beauty Dlulane, has wished Banyana Banyana, South Africa's women football team, well in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2022 (WAFCON) in Morocco where it is going to start playing on Monday against Nigeria.

Ms Dlulane said the committee notes with excitement the opportunities that are afforded to the South African women to play in sport codes that traditionally were men's terrain.

"A month ago we prominently featured at the cricket World Cup, and soon the women Springboks will head to New Zealand for the rugby World Cup. These opportunities signal the winds of change, and are a sign that patriarchy is being demolished bit by bit," said Ms Dlulane.

Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2022 starts today with a fixture between Morocco and Burkina Faso at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The showpiece features 12 teams and the Monday fixture is a repeat of the 2018 final where South Africa lost to Nigeria on penalties.

Ms Dlulane said although a lot of work and support was needed to get women athletes to be at the same professional level as their male counterparts, but the growth in women sports was commendable.

She said: "This level of exposure and competition should help these athletes launch careers in sports and then dedicate their time to personal development. In South Africa it seems we are on the right track on all team codes."

The committee once more wishes Banyana Banyana success in Morocco.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON, MS BEAUTY DLULANE.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact the committee's Media Officer:

Name: Sibongile Maputi (Mr)

Parliamentary Communication Services

Cell: 081 052 6060

E-mail: [email protected]