Babalo Ndenze3 June 2024 | 7:20

SA now officially compliant with world anti-doping regulations

President Cyril Ramaphosa this weekend signed into law legislation that ensures the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) complies with the World Anti-Doping Code.

SA now officially compliant with world anti-doping regulations

South African flag. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-2.5

CAPE TOWN - South Africa is officially compliant with world anti-doping regulations after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed new legislation into law. 

Ramaphosa signed into law the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill, which affects a number of amendments that bring South Africa in line with the World Anti-Doping Code of 2021.

The non-compliance risked South Africa not being able to fly the country's flag at international sporting events.

President Cyril Ramaphosa this weekend signed into law legislation that ensures the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) complies with the World Anti-Doping Code. 

The code harmonises anti-doping policies, rules and regulations with sport organisations and among public authorities around.

Not complying with the code came with implications like not being able to fly the country's flag. 

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) would be established and become a public entity under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and is defined in the amended legislation as the national anti-doping organisation.
 
The agency will prevent the use of prohibited substances in the South African and international sporting environment that are contrary to the principles of fair play.