‘Welfare non‑negotiable’: McKenzie responds to athlete complaints in Ghana

Pretoria – Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has ordered an urgent investigation after South African athletes raised concerns about accommodation conditions during the 24th African Athletics Senior Championships in Accra, Ghana.

The concerns emerged after South African shot put athlete Aiden Smith posted a video on social media highlighting conditions at the athlete accommodation site at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.

@fentuo_Quite an explosive interview from South African shot putter Aiden Smith on athlete treatment at their hostel at the ongoing African Athletics Championships.♬ original sound – Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said McKenzie acted immediately after seeing the footage and subsequent media reports.

“Upon seeing the video and subsequent media reports, Minister McKenzie immediately directed the Department to arrange alternative hotel accommodation in Accra for Team South Africa, and the offer was communicated to the team,” the department said.

South Africa has sent a team of 34 athletes to the championships, which are taking place from 12 to 17 May and include more than 1,500 athletes and officials from across Africa. Ghana is hosting the event for the first time.

According to the department, Team South Africa later informed officials that their concerns had been addressed and opted to remain at the championship accommodation for the rest of the tournament.

“The athletes have since indicated that their immediate concerns have been addressed, and they have elected to remain at the Championships venue accommodation for the remainder of the competition,” the statement said.

The department also noted that delegations from 48 participating countries were staying at the same venue, previously used during the 2023 African Games.

McKenzie has requested a full report from Athletics South Africa regarding the complaints and the conditions experienced by the team.

“The welfare of our athletes is non-negotiable. We need to understand what led to these concerns, and our Department will continue to monitor the remaining days of competition. We look forward to welcoming our athletes home after the weekend,” McKenzie said.

The minister also congratulated Smith after he secured a gold medal in the shot put competition and wished the South African team success for the remainder of the championships.