Parly to pass SAIDS Amendment Bill to comply with international anti-doping requirements
The bill was drafted after South Africa faced the risk of not being able to fly its flag at international sporting events for not complying with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code.
Picture: Pixabay.com
CAPE TOWN - The National Assembly on Tuesday will pass the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) Amendment Bill to get the country in line with international anti-doping requirements.
The country runs the risk of not being able to fly the South African flag at international sporting events if had the bill not been formulated.
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The sports committee also commended the quick adoption of the legislation, which took just a few months.
In 2022, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) identified several positions in the act that were not compliant with its code.
In response, the SAIDS Amendment Bill was drafted with proposed amendments to certain sections of the legislation before its introduction in November.
Just four months later, the committee adopted the bill, which will now be signed off by the assembly.
Parliament legal advisor Advocate Aadielah Arnold said some amendments include the establishment of an anti-doping agency.
“The principal act provides for the establishment of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, it provides for the composition of the institute, [and] it provides for meetings and staff.”
Members of Parliament will debate the bill before it's adopted and sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.