ANC Statements

The African National Congress congratulates the Proteas Women’s Cricket Team on their

spectacular, and historic, victory against England to reach their first-ever ICC Women’s T20

World Cup Final.

Tournaments such as these are important platforms for changing the face of women’s

cricket, and sports in general, to increase access and participation.

It is, therefore, encouraging that this ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which features teams

from ten countries, is expected to be broadcast around the world with a potential audience

of over 900 million viewers.

We also commend the team of outstanding commentators – including Dané van Niekerk,

Natalie Germanos, and Kass Naidoo – who have provided insightful analysis and

commentary throughout the tournament, and contributed to eradicating many of the

gender stereotypes sadly still present in much of the mainstream media.

The ANC maintains that overcoming patriarchy and gender oppression, and ensuring the

development of women in all aspects of life, is a cornerstone of any society’s development.

Despite the significant advances made under democracy in the empowerment of women

in sports, much remains to be done – both on and off the sports field. Whilst cricket has

seen some transformation at the domestic league level, greater action is required to

ensure development at a grassroots level.

The ANC believes that sport has a crucial role in driving social cohesion and nation building.

Accordingly, we extend our best wishes to the Proteas, and call upon all South Africans to

continue demonstrating their support – in record-numbers – as they compete in the final

of this important tournament against Australia on Sunday.

#AlwaysRising

END

ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

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