Ramaphosa signs new law – after Springbok hurdle cleared – BusinessTech

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed legislation that ensures South Africa’s anti-doping legislation aligns with global standards.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill ensures that the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS)complies with the World Anti-Doping Code through several amendments.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) promotes and coordinates the fight against drugs in sports.

The amended legislation defines SAIDS as the national anti-doping organisation. It is a public entity under the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.

The amendments enacted by the President were induced by a World Anti-Doping Agency review of relevant South African legislation in 2022.

Last year, the Springboks and Proteas were at risk of losing the right to fly the South African flag at the Rugby and Cricket World Cups, respectively, after missing a WADA deadline to update their anti-doping legislation.

With South Africa’s parliamentary process, it would have been nearly impossible for the country to meet the WADA deadline last October. The government promised to pass new legislation this year, which it now has done.

The Bill can be found below (mobile users click here):

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