New doors opened for women in sport

Women in South Africa are supported by the government to take the lead in sport and encouraged to be in unconventional roles and play while they earn, says Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa.

The Minister made the commitment at the launch of a professional domestic women’s cricket league last month.

“This will not only create a more inclusive and diverse cricketing ecosystem but also inspire generations of women to take up roles that were once considered unconventional. When women lead, they not only enhance the game but also serve as role models,” he said.

The Minister said: “This league will serve as a catalyst, igniting the aspirations of young girls who dream of taking this sport seriously and making a living from playing. It sends a powerful message that every aspiring cricketer, regardless of their gender, deserves a chance to hone their skills, compete at the highest level, and inspire others through their journey.”

The collective effort over the years from government, organisations like Cricket South Africa, KFC mini-cricket, Momentum and other stakeholders has yielded groundbreaking strides for women in cricket.

Earlier this year, the country hosted a successful Women’s Cricket World Cup tournament in Cape Town, Western Cape, and in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The Minister congratulated all the efforts that have been made that led to this successful journey.

“I stand here as the Minister of Sports, not just to congratulate Cricket South Africa, but to emphasize the significance of this achievement.

“This league is a symbol of progress, breaking down stereotypes, and the challenging of preconceived notions about women’s roles in sports. It represents a shift in mindset, where talent, dedication and passion take precedence over gender,” said Minister Kodwa.

Government alone has pledge over R5 million in support of the establishment of the league.

The financial support is needed going forward in support of the league, according to a report that was presented by the 2019/ 2020 Eminent Persons Group (ESP), South African schools and communities need more facility development for sport to thrive.