Controversy dog SA Games
2004-03-23 21:50
Zenoyise Madikwa
Johannesburg - Controversy continues to dog the SA Games in East London. This time it was the turn of
the opening ceremony to take some flak after angry outbursts from team coaches and officials,
who are furious over lost accreditation and a lack of accommodation.
The occasion was attended by Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour
and other dignitaries, but attracted only a handful of people from Buffalo City.
All was not well at the entry points as angry officials and journalists had to wait for hours in
the rain while officials were looking for their accreditation.
Organisers refused some journalists entry to the undercover grandstand where they were supposed to be seated, claiming it was
full.
There were claims that some of the organisers kept space for their friends and families in
places where journalists were supposed to sit.
The poor organisation of the event attracted more controversy as some of the athletes who
travelled from various provinces were still stranded without accommodation the day before the
ceremony.
Some of the guesthouses were still being renovated while other places had to accommodate
more than 12 athletes in one room without blankets and beds. In some hotels there were more
than four athletes in one room.
The first events attracted only a few spectators even though admission is free.
- Daily Sun