President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa to triple Banyana Banyana’s bonuses for winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Banyana beat hosts Morocco in last month’s WAFCON final 2-1 and were initially promised R5.8 million from Mthethwa, however, on Tuesday it was confirmed that the government will now hand R15 million to the WAFCON-winning squad, on request of Ramaphosa – almost triple of the initial amount promised by the government.
“So significant was this Banyana Banyana feat, particularly coming at a time when we, as a country, have made the positive role played by women in uplifting society, the focus of our activities, the team was invited to share their victory with the President of the country, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, at a celebration he hosted at the Union Buildings, shortly after their arrival,” Mthethwa said during an event held at the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee headquarters.
“The President, noting the public calls for more funds to be channelled to the team, immediately asked that the R5,8million promised by the Department, be increased by a considerable amount. Today, I am pleased to announce that the National Government’s contribution to the team, has been increased to R15 million.
“Knowing how generous South Africans are, I have no doubt more corporates will follow the example of Sasol and later Hollywoodbets, to invest in women’s football.”
SAFA president Dr Jordaan added: “This is unprecedented. For the first time you have the president of the country making a commitment to give them a bonus, the minister of sport doing the same, the federation doing the same, the provincial governments in our country doing the same.”
Dr Jordaan also thanked the provincial governments for stepping up and rewarding the players.
“I am very happy that we can stand here and celebrate this special recognition of women’s football and the achievement of Banyana Banyana. Even on the continent, no team that has won the WAFCON has been given such recognition and support,” he added.
