Hon Chairperson and hon members, sportsmen and sportswomen are always trying hard to improve their performances by training harder or using new technology. There are unfortunately some athletes who have stooped to the lower levels of using illegal performance-enhancing substances to get an unfair advantage over their fellow competitors.
Drug use in sport is a worldwide problem that affects all sporting codes. The number of high profile cases involving drug use in sport serves to highlight the severity of this problem. Internationally, Justin Ducklin, the Olympic gold medallist in the men's 100m sprint, recently tested positive for the use of an illegal substance and so did Marion Jones, the much-decorated American athlete.
These problems are by no means restricted to international athletes. Here in South Africa, apart from our own medallist Hezekiel Sepeng, Isaiah Mkuna - as the Deputy Minister has said - was also banned for the use of an illegal substance. What is even more worrying is the use of performance- enhancing drugs by schoolchildren who are under enormous pressure to perform in school sports. These are just a few of the many cases that involve drug use in sport. This is clearly a problem that is threatening to undermine the spirit under which sport is supposed to be played.
We, in South Africa, are part of the international sporting community and are also affected by this growing problem. It is, therefore, imperative that we do everything in our power to assist the relevant authorities to stamp out this illegal practice.
The aim of the principal Act, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Act of 1997, is to promote participation in sport, free from the use of prohibited substances or methods that intend to artificially enhance performance, and thereby render impermissible doping practices which are contrary to the practices of fair play and medical ethics.
This amending Bill before us today introduces provisions that will strengthen the principal Act. A United Nations' code designed to diminish doping cases, has been ratified by this Parliament and this Bill intends to bring South Africa in line with the international anti-doping code.
Sports and sporting personalities play an important role in our society and have a great influence on the lives of many people. The euphoria experienced when we won the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and the Football African Cup of Nations in 1996 was evident for all to see. These remarkable achievements made the whole nation proud of the many players from the respective teams, and they became role models and heroes to many of us.
When sportsmen and sportswomen use illegal substances to enhance their performance, they are not only cheating their fellow competitors they are also disappointing their many adoring fans. It is, therefore, necessary that we provide the relevant framework and legislation that is needed by the authorities to eradicate the use of illegal substances in sport. The IFP supports the Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]