Cape Town - Preparations for next month’s African Athletics Championships in Durban are finally in full swing after Athletics South Africa were assured by organisers that they are ready to host the event.
There were apparently issues with the track surface at the Kings Park Athletics Stadium, while the decision by Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula to revoke the rights of ASA, among other organisations, to bid for and host international events due to a lack of transformation also shrouded the event in doubt.
But ASA said in a statement on Wednesday that Durban’s City of eThekwini and national government have guaranteed that the African Championships – scheduled for June 22-26 – would take place as planned.
“We are happy with the latest assurance from government,” said ASA president Aleck Skhosana. “Tomorrow (Thursday), all stakeholders will meet eThekwini to continue with preparations over the hosting of this five-day event.
“Yesterday, the city assured ASA that they will meet all requirements of the event in line with all agreements and relevant commitments on their part.
“They insisted that all the necessary renovations, including work on the track, will be met and will be ready for use by the time the first athletes from all over the continent arrive.
“The City of eThekwini are known for their diligent work in providing world-class facilities and meeting set deadlines for events. They’ve never disappointed us.”
One of those athletes will be 400m world champion Wayde van Niekerk, who is currently on a break from the track as he continues studying towards a marketing degree at the University of the Free State, after winning the 100m and 200m titles at the SA Student Championships in Polokwane at the weekend.
The African Championships will be the last major event on the continent ahead of the Olympic Games in August, with most athletes unlikely to run again until the heats in Rio.
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Independent Media