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31 May 2020
Dear Paddler,
Following yesterday’s briefing by the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, we can update you on the following:
We have 14 days after the publication of the directions to inform the Minister in writing as to the date of resumption and further provide an operational guideline, including a guarantee in the form of affidavits.
Speaking on the draft regulations, these have yet to be gazetted, these allow that ‘professional, non – contact sports events without spectators, and professional athletes to train irrespective to whether it is contact or non – contact sport, in a staggered way’.
The Director General of the Department further said there had been a lot of debate about allowing surfing and swimming for the public at amateur level, particularly around whether sea water and chlorine killed the virus, but surfing and swimming at professional level is already covered by the current regulations.
It would only be allowed for elite athletes and professional athletes earning a living from their sport. The Department said the guidelines were clear that ‘mass participation for amateur purposes’ was still not allowed.
Where next?
No one will be allowed to resume training as of the 1 June, as the Guidelines etc need to be submitted to the Minister as per the Regulations.
Once the gazetted regulations are published, CSA needs to have further discussions with SAMSA with regards to their Regulations/Marine Notice that will be published.
CSA will be engaging with our various disciplines to compile a detailed list of our Professional/Elite athletes with specific reference to their International/Qualifying event.
There are further grey areas within the regulations, and we will continue working with the Department to seek clarity for our sport.
With the Ocean Racing World Championships, Non-Olympic World Championships and Olympic World Cup Sprints, as well as the Olympic Hopes Regatta all scheduled for September 2020, we are engaging with the necessary Government Departments to seek permission for our athletes to travel to these events.
Once again I must reiterate that these regulations are subject to change at any given time.
Further to this, the CSA Board is being updated continuously, and we will provide information to our membership as we get further clarity.
I fully understand the frustration felt by all, but please be assured that we are not giving up on a return to the water for all.
Thank you for the messages of support and advice as well as offers of assistance, these are all greatly appreciated and certainly do lift ones spirits.
Stay well and safe,
Kim Pople
CSA President