After Banyana Banyana won South Africa’s first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded equal pay in all sports (WAFCON).
“I do think you should receive equal compensation for the work you do. President Ramaphosa stated on Wednesday that “you get told that you get ten times less than what the men get when they play and that has to end.”
At a ceremony held at the Union Buildings, the President congratulated Banyana Banyana on their victory and said the government should show its appreciation by matching the R5.8 million contribution made on Tuesday by Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
“These young women who have made our nation so proud deserve increased compensation. I want us to start a programme that will now recognise equal pay for equal work in all of our different sporting codes, so let’s do everything we can to make that happen.
“We live in a democratic, non-sexist, and non-racial nation. I vehemently oppose unfair pay, and it ought to end. Everyone in the nation agrees that you should receive what you deserve, so we must show our appreciation for you in terms of the compensation you receive, the President remarked.
Pay disparity, according to President Ramaphosa, is unfair and unjust.
“We must ensure that the entire practise of unfair compensation is removed from our system.
The compensation for equivalent work performed by men and women must be equal.
We cannot keep treating the women in our nation in such an unjust and unfair way, the President declared.
He praised Banyana Banyana for admirably representing South Africa at the WAFCON.
“South Africa is now well known for women’s football thanks to your victory in Morocco. President Ramaphosa said, “You have once again brought attention to South Africa.
The President thanked the champions for serving as an example for numerous young girls across the country.
“You sparked the aspirations of young girls across the nation. We are pleased with you.
You’ve been denied the victory you deserved five times, but now that you’ve taken it home, you’ve truly reached the pinnacle of women’s football on our continent, according to President Ramaphosa.
The President also thanked national coach Desiree Ellis, whose team defeated Morocco 2-1 in the 2022 WAFCON finals, which were held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco.
“We appreciate your expertise, professionalism, composure, and integrity.
We want to express our gratitude for the dignity with which you led Banyana Banyana to victory.
“We appreciate the captains’ able leadership in maintaining the team’s unity and focus.
We appreciate the leadership you demonstrated.
“As a nation on the African continent, we are proud.
There is no doubt in our minds that you will represent us admirably at the FIFA Women’s World Cup the following year.
We’re all behind you again, and we’ll send our best wishes your way,” the President said.