The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has raised concerns about the disparity in recognition and financial support among various sporting codes in South Africa, particularly in the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of an additional public holiday to celebrate the Springboks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup victory on December 15, 2023.
The UDM, through its Deputy President and Member of Parliament, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach in celebrating national sports achievements. Kwankwa pointed out that while the Springboks receive significant public recognition and financial benefits, other national teams do not enjoy the same privileges.
Kwankwa expressed his concern, stating that it is inaccurate for Parliament to exclusively acknowledge the Springboks as the nation’s sole national team, noting that this pattern was evident even during their previous World Cup victory in 2019.
The UDM asserts that the newly declared holiday highlights not only the elation of rugby fans but also underscores the broader issue of inequality within the sports sector. The party particularly draws attention to the sponsorship disparities, underinvestment in other sporting codes, and the glaring differences in salaries between male and female athletes.
This move further amplifies the ongoing struggle for financial backing faced by women’s sports such as cricket, hockey, football, and netball. While male-dominated sports like rugby enjoy major corporate sponsors, multi-million-dollar endorsements, and extensive media coverage, women’s sports often grapple to secure the necessary financial support for elite competition.
The UDM stresses that the financial gap goes beyond mere numbers on a balance sheet, reflecting societal values and entrenched gender biases in sports. The party advocates for recognizing the inherent value of women’s sports and making corresponding investments.
Highlighting the stark salary disparities between male and female athletes, the UDM emphasizes the need for a shift in perception. The party calls on sponsors, media outlets, and the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, to recognize the value of women’s sports and allocate resources accordingly.
The UDM urges Minister Kodwa to address these issues promptly, ensuring that all athletes, irrespective of gender or sport, receive equal advantages and treatment. The party emphasizes the government’s responsibility to promote equity in sports, challenging prevailing norms and biases that have long favored men’s sports over women’s.
