Caster Semenya: AfriForum's complaint against Chuene

28 August 2009

Mr Pierre Weiss
General Secretary
IAAF
info@iaaf.org

Dear Sir

Caster Semenya:

Complaint against Athletics South Africa and the President of this organisation, Leonard Chuene

AfriForum, as civil rights NGO in South Africa, herewith officially submits a complaint against Athletics South Africa (ASA), the President of the ASA (Mr Leonard Chuene), and members of the South African Government with the IAAF, because of their actions regarding the Caster Semenya-saga.

Secondly AfriForum also officially requests the IAAF to take action against those who are responsible for the disclosure of information regarding the controversy about her gender, which caused the violation of the privacy of Ms Caster Semenya.

Ms Semenya's achievements provided an ideal opportunity for the promotion of mutual recognition and respect amongst communities in South Africa, however the disclosure of the information, as well as the manner in which Mr Chuene and South African politicians handled the situation, has now incited racial polarisation both internationally and within South Africa.  The fact that the excellent feat of a South African athlete is exploited for political gains and to promote division, is a sad turn of events that contravenes the ethical values of Athletics.

AfriForum believes that the IAAF should take firm action against those involved in order to prevent further harm from being caused.

1)   Complaint against the ASA, Mr Leonard Chuene and members of Government in South Africa

AfriForum request the IAAF to censure the ASA in terms of Article 14 of the constitution of the IAAF.  Clauses 3 (b) and (c) of Article 14 stipulate that the IAAF may censure a member if such a member, or the government of a country, were to breach the aims, constitution or rules of the IAAF.  AfriForum is of the opinion that ASA, Mr Chuene, as President of the ASA, as well as members of the South African Government, indeed breached the aims, constitution and rules.  This opinion is based on the following:

The constitution of the IAAF clearly specifies in Article 3 that one of the IAAF's aims as body affiliated with the IOC, is to play a leading role in the promotion of the aims of the Olympic Movement.  These aims are contained in the Olympic Charter and the IAAF therefore has to ensure that this Charter's aims are respected in Athletics.

The Olympic Charter's fundamental principles include amongst other aims:  "to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the promotion of human dignity.  Any action which incites racial and regional polarisation, therefore is directly in contravention of the Olympic Charter and all which an organisation such as the IAAF, which is a part of the Olympic Movement, stand for.

Mr Chuene incited racial and regional polarisation with his statements.  In media reports attached, Mr Chuene is quoted as having said:

"We will not allow that Europeans describe our children.  They are our children."

"It would not be like that if it were some young girl from Europe."

"Caster Semenya is facing intense scrutiny because she is African."

"If it was a white child she would be sitting somewhere with a psychologist, but this is an African child."

"Why is it that we don't celebrate one of our own?  Is it because she is African?"

"Chuene went on to blame racist South Africans for writing letters to the IAAF."

"This is about racism."

"These are ... the same people who bring black people down and the same people who refuse to believe that Africans can make it on the world stage."

According to the attached media reports, the Chairperson of the Parliament of South Africa's Portfolio Committee on Sport, Mr Butana Komphela, had said the following:

"Komphela slammed the IAAF's action as sexist and racist saying: ‘Just because she is black and surpassing her European competitors, there is all this uproar'."

"There where many white female athletes participating in the competition who resemble men, but were not subjected to gender tests."

The Olympic Charter also stipulates in Article 2 (10) that the role of the IOC is "to appose any political ... abuse of sport and athletes".  This is precisely what Mr Chuene and South African politicians have done.

To make matters worse, the ASA held a media conference at the time of Ms Semenya's return to South Africa, which was used to provide a platform for politicians of a political party, namely the ANC, to exploit Ms Semenya and Athletics for political purposes.  During this event, the ANC Youth League's President, Mr Julius Malema, and an ANC Member of Parliament, Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, also made polarising statements (see the attached media reports).

A Minister in the South African Government, Ms Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, also yelled at the crowd from the podium during Ms Semenya's arrival in South Africa: "Down with the IAAF".

The IAAF stipulates constitutionally in Aticle 3 (5) that this organisation has to apply the rules of Athletics.  Mr Chuene brought the rules of Athletic into disrepute by questioning the IAAF's tests.  This questioning not only undermines the credibility of the rules of the IAAF, but undermines the authority of the IAAF itself.  In order to ensure future respect for the rules of the IAAF, the undermining thereof cannot be tolerated. In media reports attached, Mr Chuene is quoted as follows:

"Let me warn professors and scientists that the only scientists I believe in are the parents of this girl."

"One scientist from a stupid university somewhere is going to erase the entire life of this girl."

"Why should we worry about other peoples tests."

2)   AfriForum requests that action should be taken against those responsible for the disclosure of the gender testing of Ms Semenya.

The individual who has suffered most as a result of this debacle, is Ms Caster Semenya.  What should have been a moment of glory for her, has now turned into a fiasco which has violated her privacy and her human dignity.  AfriForum appeals to the IAAF to leave no stone unturned to determine who has been responsible for the disclosure of the information, and to take firm action against the guilty party.

We thank you in anticipation for your attention to this issue and look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely

Kallie Kriel
Chief Executive Officer
AfriForum

Source: AfriForum

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The Olympic Charter also stipulates in Article 2 (10) that the role of the IOC is "to appose any political ... abuse of sport and athletes". This is precisely what Mr Chuene and South African politicians have done. To make matters worse, the ASA held a media conference at the time of Ms Semenya's return to South Africa, which was used to provide a platform for politicians of a political party, namely the ANC, to exploit Ms Semenya and Athletics for political purposes."

Kallie Kriel

 

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Comments

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responses to this article

Come on, Mr Kriel The selective outrage of white people never ceases to amaze me. Mr Kriel reports two cases to the IAAF, but the truth is that the only case he is reporting and the people he wants to see nailed are Leornard Chuene, Wiennie Mandela. In the first case, he . .more has gone to great lengths to to look for "evidence" that backs his claims, including attaching media statements. This shows that he has done his homework on this one and is pursuing it both passion and enthusiasm. The second case he purports to be reporting is limited to five lines only. He doesnt even attempt to assist the IAAF with some evidence or at least clues. There is no poassion or enthusiasm on this one. No attachments, no quoting the IAAF constitution, Nothing! It appoears he includes this case to give an impression of being even-handed on this matter. If you assess the quality of the letter from Afri-Forum, the only real case they are reporting is case number one. The other one was added relunctantly for political correctness . .less by Mathanda on August 30 2009, 22:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mathanda, the truth hurts, doesn't it? Afriforum does not represent the interests of Semenya - Winnie and Julius have taken that upon themselves. Who cares who ratted on her / him / it? Just listen to it talk - it's obvious there's something not kosher. I in turn am amazed by . .more blacks' denialism. As soon as racist actions by blacks are exposed, people like Mathanda crawl out of their shacks and cry foul. . .less by Afrikaner on August 31 2009, 07:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Afriforum's complaint to IAAF Thank you Afriforum on behalf of all rational people, for your intervention in this whole sordid matter. Of course, some black people are again going to call you racist because they have no other leg to stand on but to always draw the racist card. . .more Mathanda's comment above is a lot of talk but says absolutely nothing. P******* people, these ANC leaders and politicians, to say the least. . .less by Ag Pleeze on August 31 2009, 07:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Oh FOFS, just drop her rods and all will be revealed - is it that difficult by Piet on August 31 2009, 10:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

AfriForum continued polarisation of our society This so called concern clearly polarises the society even further just for Afri- AWB to gain political mileage. Fact some of us white people are racist. for those who are not should not feel oblieged to defend the negative elements. Fact2 the IAAF has . .more violated their own constitution with the IAAF representative conceeding to this. Fact3 All other athlets tested by the IAAF where handled differently. So Afriforum who represetn what 0.000000000000000000001% of nobody should concentrate on developing farming activities, cos they are not wining the political battle. . .less by Pieter Van Bieltong on August 31 2009, 10:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Abide by the rules I think it is a good thing that people are reminded that there are codes of ethics and guidelines set by the IOC to ensure non-political interference in sport. I hope the IAAF take action against ASA and the people responsible for leaking any infomation . .more that was suppose to be confidential to protect the athletes, and in this case Caster. I bet nothing will happen as the IAAF and IOC are influenced by politicians, bribery and corruption - See a book: "The Lords of the Rings" exposing wide scale fraud and corruption in athletics. I guess further media attention will play in the hands of corrupt and stupid politicians like Julius and Winnie, who will use it as an opportunity to influence the uninformed masses even more through their lies. I remember that quite a few female athletes were tested at past Olympic games and there were no media hype - suddenly Caster is tested, and it becomes a racial issue...show you: SA politicians are just like Mugabe: blaming the "colonialists" for everything. . .less by Ethical on August 31 2009, 10:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thank you Afriforum Its about time these racists are exposed to the world for who they truely are. by A on August 31 2009, 11:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Afriforum's complaint to IAAF The whole Caster Saga is an absolutely frustrating experience for people being concerned about South Africa. Finally, some South Africans make the right move. The government and athletic officials did do so much harm to this country. The plain people, who . .more have no own means to check on facts and tuned in an embarrassing chorus, are just seduced by power hungry politicians, disputable athletic officials and some other public figures. . .less by Klaus in RSA on August 31 2009, 11:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Caster Semenya As an African of white descent I congratulate Caster on her achievement ; I truly enjoyed her thrashing of the rest of the world in her event. As an African of white descent I am disgusted by the utterances of the black politicians who, once again, . .more demonstrate that they are the ones who are the true racists. Why cant they accept that protests in Athletics have been going on since the very 1st race between humanoids and that no one until now have branded them "racist". Are "black South Africans" above the norm because of their colour? It was not the "Europeans" who protested the gender of Caster in the 1st place but the Australians. We will only become a true rainbow nation when we all rise above this C*** and unconditionally embrave the vision of Nelson Mandela. The exploiited victim of all this nonsence is .... Caster Semenya. . .less by Wise Guy on August 31 2009, 11:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Caster Semenya As an African of white descent I congratulate Caster on her achievement ; I truly enjoyed her thrashing of the rest of the world in her event. As an African of white descent I am disgusted by the utterances of the black politicians who, once again, . .more demonstrate that they are the ones who are the true racists. Why cant they accept that protests in Athletics have been going on since the very 1st race between humanoids and that no one until now have branded them "racist". Are "black South Africans" above the norm because of their colour? It was not the "Europeans" who protested the gender of Caster in the 1st place but the Australians. We will only become a true rainbow nation when we all rise above this C*** and unconditionally embrave the vision of Nelson Mandela. The exploiited victim of all this nonsence is .... Caster Semenya. . .less by Wise Guy on August 31 2009, 11:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Caster Semenya As an African of white descent I congratulate Caster on her achievement ; I truly enjoyed her thrashing of the rest of the world in her event. As an African of white descent I am disgusted by the utterances of the black politicians who, once again, . .more demonstrate that they are the ones who are the true racists. Why cant they accept that protests in Athletics have been going on since the very 1st race between humanoids and that no one until now have branded them "racist". Are "black South Africans" above the norm because of their colour? It was not the "Europeans" who protested the gender of Caster in the 1st place but the Australians. We will only become a true rainbow nation when we all rise above this C*** and unconditionally embrave the vision of Nelson Mandela. The exploiited victim of all this nonsence is .... Caster Semenya. . .less by Wise Guy on August 31 2009, 11:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Afrikaner - You need rehabilitation Afrikaner, You need serious help. You are full of hatred and should seek counseling for all the anger you posess inside. what kind of person refers to another human being as It? Man, i think you are reading a reflection of yourself when you see . .more Caster. I also hope you dont go to church and call yourself a Christian, Catholic. If i were a Clergy, I'd ban you for life . .less by Lee on August 31 2009, 12:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Butt out politicians!!! Caster Semenya has trained many hours to achieve her dreams. The country as a whole is truly behind her and we salute you for your achievements. To all you idiot politicians ( I don't give a damn what clour you are- It is immaterial), you have . .more no right to use this young lady as a political foot ball. Your actions and hijacking of her glory have embarrassed the nation. Politicians should be statesmen/women. Instead you have shown the world that you are still behaving like your ancestors and should be swinging in trees!!! You have no right to disgrace this country... Winnie Mandela, Julius Malema, Butana Kompela and Leonard Chuene you are a disgrace to evry person in this country. Get some culture or get out!!! . .less by Devil's Advocate on August 31 2009, 14:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Kallie Kriel = Julius Malema Kriel and Malema have a lot more in common than they realise: Both are racists and they balance each other out quite neatly with their ridiculous remarks, both on the lunatic side of the fence. by Anon on August 31 2009, 15:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Leonard Chuene and ASA It is common nowledge amongst athletes (ex and current) that the biggest problem in SA athletics is the administration. Sponsors have fled the scene, waiting for different managment before they are willing to come back. Almost like Zim in some . .more respects. The true test of health in athletics is to see what the average performance of the top 10 athletes are per discipline. The stats will fright you as in some events there are barely 10 people participating whilst the average 10 years ago was very respectable. Can anyone remember the 1998 SA champs in Germiston, the depth and quality of performances across most events. Today SA Champs is a disgrace. Leonard Chuene is largely a nobody that all of a sudden found Caster as a vehicle to raise issues he last raised 20 years ago, SA has moved on yet he still lives in the 80's. The fact that we have 3 medalists are testimony of the vast talent we have in SA and that despite ASA we can win gold at World Champs. With the right administration and sponsors we can be a proper force to recon with. We have produced world class juniors in the last 20 years...99% of them ended up nowhere as seniors...go look at the USA, Germany, Australia...they don't have the talent we have as juniors but they dominate the seniors. We have such a diverse nation we should be able to dominate Athletics . .less by ex-SA National Athlete on August 31 2009, 15:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Lee you will need help when I am done with you wimp .. by Afrikaner on August 31 2009, 15:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

LOL!! I couldn't agree with you more Lee. Afrikaaner is a moegoe and he seems to be suffering from Blackophobia. We shall pray for you, all is not lost with you!! by GP's Finest on August 31 2009, 15:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This is getting more and more childish... by M on August 31 2009, 15:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Big mouth but gutless Chuene doesn't appear to care what he says or who he antagonises. He certainly needs to be reined in. Bravo, Afriforum. by Reitz on August 31 2009, 15:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What the IAAF says... See link to the IAAF policy on gender verification - it happens all the time and is bound by strict rules and process. Nothing racial about it. http://www.iaaf.org/mm/Document/imported/36983.pdf by Ethical on August 31 2009, 16:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Afriforum Grand Standing - Same as Julius Malema Afriforum takes the Caster Semenya story one step further. It vainly tries to take the injustice done to Ms Semenya and make a linkage between that injustice and some kind of an imagined injustice againgst Afrikaanders. Clearly there are two separate . .more issues. 1) How the IAAF treated the Caster Semenya issue. And 2) A group of Afrikaanders feeling maginalised and unheard. For clarity the world deserves to know. 1) Dose the IAAF's have a gender policy? 2) If they do what is this policy? 3)How was this policy carried out? From that all remedy should stem. Much of what happend after the alleged wrong doing of the IAAF was reactionary. As far as a racial dimension to the saga, it is not inconceivable. For example most African people have lower vocal tones than Europeans for starters. So any reference to her voice can easily be an effect of a cultural / racial bias. As for Afriforum, there is no rational linkage between what happened to Caster Semenya's and the miserable agenda of Afriforum. How very unpatriotic to try and bypass Athletics South Africa or the ministry of Sport. . .less by Say no to Hijacking on August 31 2009, 16:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Ethical You are absolutely right. Thanks for giving the link. If only all parties concerned had studied these 7 pages. by Klaus in RSA on August 31 2009, 17:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Polarising AfriForum has basically said nothing in its letter. What a broadcast of ignorance! Itsvain act and base politicking is far more racially polarising than Athletic SA is presumed to be. It is not clear what it hopes to achieve in the end. It . .more astounds me that very few white people have comprehension of racial insult and are so quick to cry: 'Race Card!'. It is more staggering how herd mentality and irrationality prevails over some of this section of the population. Wake up and get real! . .less by Miya on August 31 2009, 19:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Afriforum Who the hell they are to even raise a finger, Viva Comrade Malema Viva Long Winnie Madikizela Mandela the mother of the nation Long Live by Mr K on August 31 2009, 20:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

canada granted refugee status to white sa man http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/08/28/10659546.html by onlooker on August 31 2009, 20:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

http://www.iaaf.org/mm/Document/imported/36983.pdf After having read the policy stated above I would like to make the following comments: 1) The policy is lacking and does not adequatly address petinent issues with regards to gender verification like "Informing the National Association before testing . .more is done" 2) The policy states first that "The first mechanism (introduced for international competition in the mid sixties) involved rather crude and perhaps humiliating physical examinations." and then later "The athlete is referred to the investigating authority in confidence for further investigation and advice;" - My question here is was there no Humiliation by the IAAF? Was this matter treated with Confidence by the IAAF? 3) Is Winnie Mandela a representative of the Government of South Africa? Was she speaking as a member of Parliament? Was the Minister speaking as a Minister of Government or was she speaking on her own personal capacity? 4) As to the race or not of the complainants that is neither here nor there. The question is, did AfriForum sent a water tight complaint to the IAAF? Can we expect them to win this case? 5) Did the IAAF treat ASA with respect by talking to CNN, Roiters and APA about Semenya before they informed ASA of their investigation? 6) Did AfriForum try to obtain redress from the said politicians by lodging complaints with the HRCSA? . .less by Thabo on August 31 2009, 20:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Anagram An anagram of Caster Semenya is "yes a secret man" by Punter on September 01 2009, 00:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Anagram An anagram of Caster Semenya is "yes, a secret man" by Punter on September 01 2009, 00:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

WHO CARES WHAT THE POLITICO'S DONT REALISE IS , HOWEVER GREAT THE VICTORY WAS , WITHOUT INTERNATIONAL BLESSING ( VERIFIED TESTS) , IT WILL BE A ONE SHOW PONY ... SHE WONT BE RACING IN ANY OTHER EVENTS, AND WONT BE EARNING A LIVING FROM ATHLETICS. by MARKL on September 01 2009, 07:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Athletes that leave the country have a look at all those athletes that left the country to compete under other banners that did well. A brnze for Turkey in womens long jump. by John on September 01 2009, 08:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Racism Obviously the ANC has used this incident as an event to act the victim again, and so has the Afriforum. All in all, in a few month's time they would all have forgoten about Caster, and found something/someone else to use for their respective . .more agendas. By the way, there was a lively argument about Pieter de Villiers not being good anough to coach the Boks, can I get a show of hand of those who wanted him fired, and their reasons?, Rietz, Afrikaner, any-one?, yeah that's what I thought you morons... . .less by Khulgaz on September 01 2009, 09:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Racism Well done AfriForum ! I was disgusted by the racial politicking that took place at O.R.Tambo on Caster's return. It certainly revealed to the rest of the world who the real racists are! Our petty dictators who use their majority to do what they . .more please in SA are going to find that they cannot throw their inconsequential weight around on the World stage. . .less by Mike on September 02 2009, 10:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Colour does matter I always heard people say Pretoria is a racist city and i would dismiss that as lies until I experience it myself. I've recently moved to Pta North eight months ago and ooh boy my suspicion are cornfirmed. Now my two babies who are 4 and 2 years old are . .more lingering at home doing nothing because affordable pre-schools near where I stay do not admit African children because they feel that they need more attention and that they dont understand Afrikaans of which I dont mind them bieng taught in Afrikaans. Nogal, the very same creche was used as a polling station and they have double standards. I dont belong to any political party here, but someway somehow I agree with this Empty tins makin noise about racist treatment from our White African. My children's right to eduction (affordable one) are now compromised because of the colour of their skin. I double dare you Afriforum to take a stand against this. Tshwane or Pretoria some things will never change, its still the same. . .less by Moeketsi Grabie on October 13 2009, 18:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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