Africa
Parliament acts against sexual abuse of young athletes
The impression should never be created that the committee cannot monitor incidents of abuse.
South Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 8, 2021 / APO Group / –
Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee
The Sports, Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee will no longer ignore the abuse and inappropriate rape of young athletes in South Africa.
As a result, the committee has decided to organize a workshop on abuse, especially sexual abuse, against athletes. The Committee also asked sports federations to review their policies on sexual abuse and ensure that they prioritize the well-being of their athletes.
Beauty Dlulane
The committee chair, Ms Beauty Dlulane, said that inappropriate rape of young athletes has been ignored for too long.
Swim South Africa
On Tuesday, the committee received a report from Swim South Africa on the prevalence of these issues. The committee was informed that a disciplinary matter was dropped because an athlete had chosen to initiate criminal proceedings.
“The time has come for the committee to raise awareness on the issue. Many athletes are not only financially violated by sponsors and federations. This abuse extends to inappropriate and highly unacceptable behavior by many coaches and coaches in sports codes. “
Ms. Dlulane says that “you should never create the impression that the committee could not monitor incidents of abuse.”
“We condemn these in the strongest possible terms, as the impact is such that young athletes bear the scars forever. The sexual abuse and rape of young athletes by those who train them should attract the necessary attention and condemnation from society ”.
Ms. Dlulane added that when it comes to sexual abuse there should never be any alternative arrangements or options; people must be punished and referred for criminal prosecution.
Committee members unanimously supported the decision to organize the workshop.
