Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sport from our fellow African States
Mrs Agnes Tjongarero - Vice President of ANOCA
Heads of Foreign missions
Mr Stofile - Minister of Sport and Recreation
Mr Gert Oosthuizen Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation
MR David Howman - Director General Of WADA
Mr Mashishi Moss - President of SASCOC
All MEC's present
Leaders of Sport bodies
Representatives of the Media
Ladies and gentleman
All protocol observed
It is indeed an honour and privilege for me to welcome such an esteemed group of people to the official launch of the Africa Regional Office of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
It is a further honour for us as the Western Cape Province to be awarded the responsibility to host and accommodate the WADA, Africa regional office in Cape Town.
I therefore want to place on record our sincere thanks to the board of WADA for bestowing this great honour on us.
Ladies and gentlemen, this launch tonight is an important step in our commitment and resolve to ensure that we as Africans uphold the highest value of fair play that is at the center of the ethos of sport.
The launch of the Africa regional office and the role that it will play to discourage and prevent African athletes and coaches in particular, from using illegal and artificial performance enhancing drugs is an important tool to promoting a healthy life style amongst our athletes. It also instills in our youth the age old African values of fairness and honesty.
It is well known that Africa has the lowest level of doping in the world and the responsibility of WADA in Africa should therefore be commended. This office therefore has the responsibility to ensure that this proud record is maintained.
Mr David Howman, I therefore want to commit our Department to always be of assistance and provide the required capacity to ensure that we serve Africa to the best of our ability, in our pursuit of building a better Africa and world through Sport. You can indeed depend on our continued support.
With these words, I want to welcome you to the most beautiful city in the world and invite you to enjoy our Province with all its splendour.
I thank you.
