Semenya's controversy angers South Africans

Submitted by Adekunle Owolabi on 21 August 2009 - 10:06pm

Polokwane, Semenya's home town was filled with joyous sounds after her victory in Berlin. Both old and young gathered together to celebrate in the small rural village.

Her story dominated the sport headlines here as South Africans rejoiced over her world title, but the decision by international athletics officials to order a gender verification test has stirred deep anger - and brought accusations of prejudice against the country and the continent.

Athletics South Africa has been criticized for allowing the tests, but Chuene said the body had no idea the IAAF had tested Semenya .

ANC Youth league president Julius Malema also took a swipe at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for conducting a sex test on local 800m track sensation Caster Semenya. He called the act sinister and racist. The SA Gender Commission also said they smelled a rat.

Her mother, Docus said: " What they are saying is because Semenya is black and she is better than her competitors. I am very proud of my girl." Her high school principal and childhood friend also confirmed that she is a girl.

Her father, Jacob, said : "We won't accept her having to undergo those tests, and we agree with her. She should have rather rejected the medal. We won't allow our daughter to be disgraced. "

eNews Reporter, Tumaole Mohlaoli reported live from Polokwane this afternoon, he met her friends, school mates, child hood friends who also testified that she is a full lady, South Africans shunned the Athletics Body requesting to investigate her gender.

Whatever the results of the officials' tests on Semenya and the scientific procedures could take months. Most South Africans are convinced that she is not a cheat but a great athlete who will return to a huge welcome.

Semenya returns to South Africa next Tuesday.

Adekunle Owolabi of KSTUNTMEDIA.COM writes this from Johannersburg, South Africa