Polokwane - Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale has added his voice to the many who have welcomed star athlete Caster Semenya's readmission to competitive athletics.
Mathale said the province had always rallied behind Semenya when she was put on trial by those questioning her gender.
"We will continue to support Semenya as she goes back to compete on the track. The people of Limpopo have now been vindicated as they have courageously asserted that Caster was a woman and rejected any doubt about that," Mathale said.
He added that Semenya's acceptance would contribute positively towards the development of athletics and sports in Limpopo because she would serve as an ambassador and role model to other young people in the province.
His words were echoed by Limpopo MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Joyce Mashamba, who said Semenya's readmission was a victory for all women.
"The wonderful news of Caster returning to the international sport scene could not have come at a better time ... on the eve of celebrating women's month in August, which is when we commemorate and celebrate the collective achievements of South African women and the role they have played in the history of this country," said Mashamba.
"She is our golden girl and we know she will make even bigger strides in international athletics. We are immensely proud to be associated with this rarely gifted young woman and we are confident that the support the province's people had shown her will continue to boost her performance now and in the future
