Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has launched an investigation into living conditions faced by South African athletes competing at the African Athletics Senior Championship in Ghana after a shotput champion revealed they were not receiving adequate nutrition.
Aiden Smith, who is competing in the 24th edition of the championship in Accra, raised the alarm on social media about poor living conditions and insufficient catering at the on-site accommodation. The athlete said that the food provided was inadequate to sustain competitors who have specific and high dietary requirements.
The video quickly circulated on social media, prompting McKenzie to request a full report from Athletics South Africa on the conditions experienced by the 34-member delegation and the circumstances that led to the complaints.
“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 on Thursday.
Upon seeing the video and subsequent media reports, the minister immediately directed his department to arrange alternative hotel accommodation in Accra for Team South Africa. The offer was communicated to the team.
Athletes have since indicated that their immediate concerns have been addressed and have elected to remain at the championships venue accommodation for the remainder of the competition, which runs from 12 to 17 May.
All 48 countries participating in the African Senior Athletics Championships are staying at the University of Accra in Ghana, where the 2023 African Games were held. The tournament has brought together more than 1 500 athletes and officials from across the continent. Ghana is hosting the event for the first time.
