South Africa to Create Panel to Professionalise Women's Sport

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has committed to set up a panel of experts to lead the establishment of a blueprint to professionalise netball and football for women.

Addressing the ministerial breakfast in Johannesburg, Kodwa expressed his disappointment that there are still discussions on the need for women to be paid equally with men in sport.

"Women's rights are human rights. Women must at least be paid equally in sport. If we must, we will make laws to enforce equal pay. Women athletes made the 2023 Women's Month a memorable one he said.

Prior to Banyana Banyana leaving for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, the team was embroiled in a pay dispute with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).

According to media reports, the dispute with SAFA was over bonus payments and contracts. "I challenge corporate SA to join the department in ensuring that as a country, we recognise, cultivate and celebrate excellence across sporting codes," Kodwa said.

Banyana Banyana against Sweden at the World Cup

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