The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has used the Springboks holiday celebration to send a message to the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, calling on Zizi Kodwa to take note of the shortcomings that exist in the sports fraternity and “recognise other sports with the same fervour as the Springboks.”
The UDM believes that it is the Minister’s responsibility to ensure that athletes have the same advantages and treatment as others.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the 15th of December a public holiday for the country to celebrate a historic Springboks victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final held in France in October.
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According to the UDM, “this holiday should serve as a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between the support and sponsorship available to rugby, particularly men’s rugby, and the relative neglect of other sporting codes, particularly women’s sports like cricket, hockey, football and netball.
“While the Springboks have major corporate sponsors, multi-million-dollar endorsements, and an extensive media presence, other women’s sporting codes often struggle to secure the financial backing necessary for elite competition,” the UDM said in a statement.
The Party argues that this financial disparity reflects society’s values and the deep-rooted gender biases prevalent in sports.
“It perpetuates the notion that women’s sports are less important or less entertaining, despite the fact that female athletes have consistently displayed remarkable skills and dedication, often achieving results that rival those of their male counterparts.”
Furthermore, the UDM called for a shift in perception and a willingness to promote women’s sports with the same vigour and investment that men’s sports have enjoyed for decades.
“It’s not merely about financial investments; it’s about challenging the prevailing attitudes that underestimate the importance and appeal of women’s sports,” the statement read.
