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THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Feb 09 2010 19:13 | LAST UPDATED Feb 09 2010 19:13 |
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An exchange of emails between the doctor of the South African athletics team, Harold Adams, and Athletics South Africa boss Leonard Chuene makes it crystal clear that Chuene knew Caster Semenya was gender-tested in South Africa before the World Championships in Berlin last month. Chuene’s denial that he knew of any tests conducted locally before the tournament is one of a string of lies exposed by a Mail & Guardian investigation. The email, which the M&G has seen, was sent by Adams to ASA general manager Molatelo Malehopo and copied to Chuene on August 5. The World Championships began on August 15. It reads: “After thinking about the current confidential matter I would suggest that we make the following decisions. 1. We get a gynae opinion and take it to Berlin. 2. We do nothing and I will handle these issues if they come up in Berlin. Please think and get back to me ASAP.” An emailed response from Malehopo to Adams, sent on the same day, reads: “I will suggest that you go ahead with the necessary tests that the IAAF might need.” Chuene has repeatedly maintained that no tests were conducted in South Africa before the tournament. He has also denied that ASA authorised and paid for the tests. Chuene has defended his decision to field the 800m champion in Berlin, by saying that “no reasons were given to him on why he should withdraw Semenya from the championships”. The M&G can reveal that Semenya was tested at the Medforum Medi-clinic in Pretoria early last month and that she received counselling from ASA board member and psychologist Laraine Lane beforehand. The tests were conducted by Oscar Shimange, a medical doctor specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology.  CONTINUES BELOW Approached for comment, Lane said this week: “I cannot discuss issues regarding my clients. I can’t deny or confirm anything; it would be a conflict of interest if I did that. I would like to help you, but I can’t.” Chuene has also claimed that Adams, who was commissioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to oversee Semenya’s gender tests in South Africa, is not the official doctor of team South Africa. In an ASA press release about the final team for the World Championships in Berlin, sent out on August 4 and in possession of the M&G, Adams is listed in the team’s management as “team doctor”. President Jacob Zuma’s personal physician, Adams arrived with Semenya on August 9 in Neubrandenburg, Germany, where team South Africa was based. A senior official close to ASA said that when team South Africa was in Neubrandenburg, Adams received a call from Medforum Medi-clinic informing him of Semenya’s gender test results, which were “not good”. The results can take up to two days to arrive after testing. The official said Adams then convened a meeting with Chuene, ASA vice-president Kakata Maponyane and the events manager of team South Africa, Phiwe Mlangeni-Tsholetsane. Adams advised them to withdraw Semenya from the competition, but they refused. Adams had also examined sprinters Kagiso Kumbane and Tshegofatso Meshoe, and advised that they should be withdrawn because of injury. The ASA had obliged.  Another official told the M&G: “Mlangeni-Tsholetsane said they couldn’t withdraw Semenya because they needed a medal at all costs. Chuene didn’t even bother to brief the athlete about the developments around the tests and the implications. They destroyed an innocent girl because of a medal.” Efforts to get comment from Adams proved fruitless, as he did not return the M&G’s calls. A senior athletics official who knows Chuene well said: “Chuene has been lying to the nation from the onset. It’s time for him and his crew to tell the truth, apologise to the nation and resign.” The official said before the Berlin championships Adams received an email from the IAAF raising concerns about Semenya’s gender. Adams had responded by sending the email already described to Malehopo and Chuene seeking advice on what action to take. After consulting Chuene, Malehopo responded, authorising gender tests. “The arrangements were made and Semenya was taken in for tests accompanied by her coach, Michael Seme. There’s just no way that they didn’t know about the tests,” said the senior official. Contacted for comment, Malehopo denied giving Adams the go-ahead. “That is interesting news to me. If people have evidence they should bring it forward and we will take it from there but I don’t know anything.” He said he knew nothing about his August 5 email to Adams. He also promised to respond to questions to him and Chuene, but neither had done so by the time the M&G went to print. ASA’s Maponyane has stood by Chuene, claiming that Adams had given no reason for withdrawing Semenya from the competition. “He only said that he was waiting for the results from South Africa but did not explain further. And that is when we learned that Semenya had undergone gender tests in South Africa. We want to know who authorised those tests to be conducted without our knowledge,” he said. The ASA has called for its own commission of inquiry into the Semenya affair, while Parliament’s sports committee has demanded that the athletics body be hauled before the National Assembly. But the senior official who spoke to the M&G warned that Chuene’s friends “will sit in that commission. Parliament will not help either, because Chuene is politically well connected. What we need is a judicial commission of inquiry, which has to be instituted by [Jacob] Zuma. It should look at the burning issue and athletics in general. ASA leaders should step aside until we get to the bottom of this.” Semenya sold to the highest bidder Athletics South Africa (ASA) has fired Caster Semenya’s Finnish agent, Jakku Härkönen, and taken over his public relations role, which includes marketing the athlete to the corporate world, writes Phathisani Moyo. ASA events manager Phiwe Mlangeni-Tsholetsane confirmed that the association has taken over the management of Caster’s business affairs. The ASA organised the photographs of the World 800m champion dressed as a glamour girl in You magazine for a fee, while preventing her from speaking to other media organisations. Neither the magazine nor Mlangeni-Tsholetsane would reveal the fee. Semenya is said to have been paid R20 000. “We fired Härkönen in Berlin and I will be managing Caster until she gets a local agent to look after her affairs,” Mlangeni-Tsholetsane told the M&G this week. She defended the association’s decision to terminate the contract of the Finnish agent, who also has men’s 800m world champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and Olympic triple-jump silver medallist Khotso Mokoena on his books. “We have difficulties in dealing with our athletes who are managed from outside, especially by Härkönen,” she said. The ASA official emailed the M&G a damning letter penned by South Africa’s former athletics coach, Angus Pohl, about Härkönen’s alleged activities to support the claim that the ASA had acted in Semenya’s interests. In the letter, Pohl blames his fall-out with Mokoena just before the Beijing Olympics on the Finnish agent and implies that his behaviour is exploitative. Härkönen refused to comment. Ironically, ASA stood by Mokoena in his court battle with Pohl, who quit as Mokoena’s coach on the eve of the Beijing Olympics but subsequently demanded between R170 000 and R200 000 after the athlete won silver. Former ASA coach Wilfred Daniels branded ASA’s stance “two-faced”. “How can they now want to jump into the same bed with a guy [Pohl] who abandoned the team on the eve of the Olympics and successfully sued their athlete for a large amount of his bonus?” he asked. Daniels also alleged that ASA officials were exploiting Caster for financial gain. Another ASA official, who refused to be named, said Semenya’s coach, Michael Seme, had been left behind when the South African team travelled to Berlin, while Humile Bogatsu, the personal assistant of ASA president Leonard Chuene, went as the assistant team manager. “Now Seme has been told to stay away from Caster’s business dealings,” said the official. “Phiwe [Mlangeni-Tsholetsane] and Bogatsu have taken over the Caster Semenya brand. I don’t know how much You magazine paid for that interview but I can confirm that Caster only received R20 000.” Daniels further claimed that invitations for Semenya to appear on the television shows of talk-show queens Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks fell through because the ASA demanded an appearance fee. “Caster was willing to appear on the shows, as she wanted to speak for herself. But the whole thing fell apart when Phiwe demanded money,” said Daniels. Efforts to get comment from Mlangeni-Tsholetsane on Daniels’s allegations proved fruitless. She did not respond to messages left at the ASA. The ASA source said the association’s officials had been barred from talking to the media on the instructions of a newly hired public relations company, MS&L Worldwide. The company, the source said, had been brought on board for the purposes “damage control” in the Semenya saga. MS&L Worldwide issued its first media statement on Thursday on behalf of the ASA, saying that the association would now focus on protecting Semenya’s professional career and allowing her to compete legitimately. Who is Harold Adams? If President Jacob Zuma wants to know the truth about the Caster Semenya saga, he need only ask his doctor, writes Yolandi Groenewald. Athletics South Africa’s chief medical officer and team doctor, Harold Adams, is also Zuma’s personal doctor. Before that he was former president Thabo Mbeki’s doctor, taking the position in 1999. Adams has been identified as one of the pivotal players in the Semenya mess and possibly the only person who knows the whole truth about when the athlete was tested in South Africa and what happened afterwards. Adams, from a poor background, is also president of Boland Athletics and works at the military hospital in Wynberg, Cape Town. A hospital spokesperson told the Mail & Guardian this week that he was accompanying the president on “convoy duty”. He has a kept low profile since the Semenya story broke. The IAAF is said to hold him in high esteem, and he is a member of the association’s medical committee. The IAAF said last week that it had been struggling to reach him to find out what the South African test on Semenya had revealed. But media reports this week suggest that the federation has now spoken to him. Adams is no stranger to controversy. In 2005 he was reportedly investigated by the military police in connection with suspected fraud for medicines that he allegedly signed out of the defence force, among other matters. No charges were brought against him. This week the military police declined to comment on the investigation. TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
Comments
Makgale Molepo on September 18, 2009, 7:46 am
It is sad that the truth takes so long to emerge. Chuene was a political appointment from the beginning. If you allow politicians and non athletes to run athletic associations you get what you deserve, South Africa! It is most interesting that Mulaudzi and Mokoena are managed by a Finnish agent...and they succeed honestly. Chuene....your chickens are coming home to roost. Poor Caster who will never be able to compete again and is now an ANC football, not an athlete!Her medal will probably be withdrawn in November....but you still have the Gold of Mulaudzi and the Silver of Mokoena....luckily looked after by outside agents, not SA politicians!
Derek James Derek James
derek james on September 18, 2009, 7:53 am
Absolutely shocking. The exploitation of Semenya by the unscrupulous defies belief. The political exploitation by the likes of Malema and Madikizela-Mandela is quite horrible.
Hippo Crit on September 18, 2009, 7:54 am
Shame. Poor Caster.
Disgusting behaviour by ASA, lets hope JZ uses this as an example and we see some heads roll. And surely there must be a good case for Caster to sue ASA on a number of fronts..
Ian mcintosh on September 18, 2009, 7:59 am
So much for the white racist IAAF, racist white foreign press, racist white south africans, racist whites everywhere.
Instead we have the most sordid lies and inhumane personal and political exploitation of an athlete with a physical condition all for the sake of a medal. To Mr. Chuene and all ASA officials involved, Julius, Stofile, 'madame' Mandela, et al: you are all equally a bunch of disgusting individuals and a disgrace to society. Why didn't Caster say anything? was she perhaps threatened or coerced in any way by any of these monsters. From what we see so far, they seem capable of anything and the story is still unfolding.
fred sevillano on September 18, 2009, 8:19 am
Damn! Now we cannot blame the whites anymore! Comrades, lets find another cause to continue our white bashing campaign... Maybe Julius has some ideas for us?
JC KK on September 18, 2009, 8:27 am
Don't be naive - they have played their race card, it worked succesfully with the massess and it will work again.This is Africa after all - Chuene will leave but then reappear later somewhere else earning obscene amounts of money peddling his snake poison.
Joseph Savon on September 18, 2009, 8:29 am
Men please leave Caster Semenya alone!
What is interesting in Caster Semenya saga is that all people involved its males. Its only men that are interested in knowing whether Caster is a female or male. It is very clear here that Leonard Chuene is not fit for ASA presidency and he must be show the door before it’s too late. This guy is a liar and good pretender; he made statements in Berlin that very soon is leaving IAAF without communicating with his colleagues and SA government. We cannot continue having people like him in our public offices. Minister Stofile must release Chuene from his duties before it’s too late. There are people in this country who always act as if they are given a particular mandate by ANC in sport and Leonard is one of them. Its is high time the ANC led government to act against ASA president not later that November 2009. Uyonakalisa lomntu, makanqandwe u-Chuene uyasihlaza singuMzantsi Africa. Mbulelo Dyasi in Pretoria
Mbulelo Dyasi on September 18, 2009, 8:31 am
And so the truth is emerging. Disgusting and unethical behavior and conduct by ASA officials. Using an athlete like Caster Semenya just to score some political points. I really feel for Caster and the humiliation she has to endure by the sordid mess created by Chuene and his ilk.
As for Julius Malema and Winnie Mandela, they are just as disgusting for hijacking the saga just to elevate their political platform.
Les Wil on September 18, 2009, 8:46 am
I knew it from the beginning that ASA was hiding something, it is not a surprise but certainly disgusting!..
berry juice on September 18, 2009, 8:47 am
On every level, this is so shameful. My goodness, Chuene - resign and take your board with you. Mr Stofile - you are a minister - act like one for crying out loud! - gather the facts, make a rational decision based on fact, not an emotional one. We cannot carry on like this, we are the laughing stock of the world!
Len Ricketts on September 18, 2009, 8:51 am
Of course they knew. That’s what the whole political song and dance was about at OR Tambo. Chuene trying to divert the attention and Malema shouting his mouth off about something he knows nothing about and again failed to check the facts.
The poor girl was milked for the sake off a gold medal and to cover over the failings of the ASA. Don’t they have egg on their face now? Funny how certain people can continue to confirm they are fools by opening their mouths and just brush it off and continue to be so arrogant. I wonder what Zola Budd thinks riding in the taxi on the way to work! !
Clint Reinertsen on September 18, 2009, 8:55 am
M&g is milking this situation till the last drop. Its all about he said - she said and NO PROOF. Heresay does not stand up in court now why should it stand up in media? Decisions are made on the authority of facts. Now firstly, Castor is 18yrs old and you are violating her rights to privacy, secondly PROVIDE US WITH THE FACTS in order for us, yes Joe/Jane Public to have an informed opinion. Media is simply siding with its counterparts in Australia. What other explanation could there be?
Kitty Kat on September 18, 2009, 8:57 am
The once proud reputation of South Africa has become unbelievably tarnished.
Business associates abroad make comments about just how many ANC politicians and their friends, from Zuma down to Shaik who have walked from any form of prosecution, the horrendous crime rate,the strikes, the massive corruption, the drug smuggling and in particular the ANCYL and their inane comments. Now this! Chuene should have criminal charges laid against him and kicked out of office. What a complete scoundrel.
Dennis Hoines on September 18, 2009, 9:01 am
R20,000.00 seems so little for "You" mag to pay. I would really like to know how much they did pay, and where did it go?
Sean Redmond on September 18, 2009, 9:04 am
This mess needs cool heads. From the beginning we(as a country) should have refused to to draw the race card in this issue; unfortunately we just played along and this is turning out we were misled and continue to be misled by ASA, especially Mr Chuene.The issue is Caster has been inhumanely treated and Minister Stofile needs to sort this mess right now!
As for Chuene's denial and failure to seek to get to the bottom of this mess is beyond imagination.
Solomon Dube on September 18, 2009, 9:15 am
"They destroyed an innocent girl because of a medal.”
"Daniels further claimed that invitations for Semenya to appear on the television shows of talk-show queens Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks fell through because the ASA demanded an appearance fee". Horrific. So so horrific. And so exploitative.
Nic S on September 18, 2009, 9:17 am
Leornard Chuene and the ASA are a disgrace. Some of this might not be true (like the Oprah and Tyra comments) but they should still be ashamed!!!
From the first time I heard Chuene making threats and shouting, I knew this man was a shady character. Appalling!!
Lupe Fiasco on September 18, 2009, 9:21 am
Chuene is proof that politics is king and decency, honesty & accountability are sacrificed at every turn and at every opportunity...he's a disgrace to ASA and SA! As long as politics is prioritized above all else in SA (as is currently the case) we as a country are screwed!!
Jos Diederiks on September 18, 2009, 9:23 am
Fire Chuene and pay Caster what is due to her, that is R20 million for the humiliation. She must also sue the international Media, more aspecially, racist white foreign press (Australia press). Finsh!!!!
Tman Lee on September 18, 2009, 9:25 am
Ah but Malema et al will not let petty details like facts get in the way of a good political angle.
The view used to be so nice from the moral high ground...
Craig W on September 18, 2009, 9:38 am
Chuene, ANOTHER political appointment embarrassing South Africa, lying his way into controversy and trying to make money by exploiting its citizens. WHEN OF WHEN we we wake up and vote this ANC out of power?!
We're like a bunch of Americans who repeatedly vote the disastrous Bush administration back into office!
JLG on September 18, 2009, 9:53 am
There must be a book in this somewhere. But then who would be interested in blacks exploiting blacks. Oh kitty Kat are you such a blind puss that you cannot the wood for the trees?
Hugh Robinson on September 18, 2009, 9:55 am
Will you commentators stop with the racial nonsense already? This has nothing to do with race so stop with these posts about "yada yada, white racists blahdy blah" or now it's about "black racists blahdy blah".
This is about a woman being exploited for political gain and this would be a good way to measure just how influential Chuene is. If he gets fired and we never see him again in a high-paying, high-profile job, then justice would've been served. If he survives, then the ANC is making a very clear statement about how far it will go to protect its own. I hope Chuene and all those who lied about Semenya either resign or get fired, and I hope we never hear about them again.
Thami Khumalo on September 18, 2009, 10:01 am
M&G you are not helping us by suggesting that Adams can not be trusted. You had earlier given us the impression that Adams is in possession of e-mails suggesting that he actually communicated with ASA before sending Caster for tests. You also led us to believe that the good doctor saw the tests and gave advice that Caster be withdrwan from the rest. You then go on to tell us that Adams is some form of criminal element and we are back ton square one. Who do we trust Adams or Chuene?
Thabisa Sibanda on September 18, 2009, 10:06 am
Keep POLITICS OUT OF SPORTS!!!
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 18, 2009, 10:16 am
Well said Thami Khumalo
Ian mcintosh on September 18, 2009, 10:17 am
Stupid Africa National Confusion(ANC)politicians, with their big mouths!!!!!
They just destroyed the one & only life of an innocent girl(but not that innocent F coz!)-who jst wanted an opportunity to show-case her(or HIS, f coz) talent! But again,"where there's smoke, there's FIRE!!! ANOTHER THING THAT'S CONFUSING SANE PEOPLE: Why isn't Caster saying something about this whole situation? Surely we R not talking about 2 year oldz who can't ANSA 4 thmslvz! sHe[Caster Semenya] has a lot 2 answer to the whole world! There is no way that (s)He can no nothing about all these tricks! As for JULIUS;hE DOESN'T KNOW WHEN & WHERE & HOW TO OPEN HIS BIG-SMELLY-MOUTH!! He is ignoring youth issues that need his attention,like the strikes by WITS students! THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THIS COUNTRY SUCKS(ANC)!! I WONDER WHO R THEY ARE GOING 2 BLAME this time (Thabo Mbeki?)! Take it or Leave it!
GONONDER OMKHULU on September 18, 2009, 10:18 am
I say, get rid of the whole ASA management and Leonard Cheune, you are a disgrace for a human being. You waved your fingers at the press conference and yet you were the one who stood by whilst they've tested Caster and you pleaded innocent whilst back at the ranch, you were complicit to all the shameful things perpetrated against Caster Semenya.
Desmond Damons on September 18, 2009, 10:39 am
Kitty Kat
The media's role is to act as the public's watchdog and report on the facts, or at least what it objectively believes the facts to be after closely scrutinising all sides to a story. Something is obviously afoot when people with an ostensible common purpose have different memories and sometimes no memory at all of specific events. Where there is a dispute of fact, Kitty Kak, it is common practice as M&G has done and common sense to find out what he said she said in order to get at the truth. It seems likely that Chuene and his chommies were actually the ones doing the milking and they have someone else’s medal to show for it. Nothing but a callous and cold-blooded act. I am absolutely disgusted and if these allegations against Leonard Chuene are true he should publicly apologise to Semenya for what he did to her and her family. Then somebody should fire his ar$e!
Swordfish ;) on September 18, 2009, 10:39 am
It will be interesting to know why Mr Stofile want the matter to be in UN about IAAF, whereas the problem lies with our own federation, ASA. By the way, where is outspoken Komphela now?
Africans, problems lies with us not whites, etc. If we don't learn to project ourselves accordingly, we'll never able to compete...
Setshaba Khanye on September 18, 2009, 10:42 am
@Thami Khumalo - I think you will find that the government first cried racism on this one which is why this is now so excruciatingly embarassing.
Craig W on September 18, 2009, 10:44 am
Well said Thami. Let's focus on the questionable actions that the responsible body (ASA) has put our athlete through. They should now do the honourable thing and resign.
Bill Brander on September 18, 2009, 10:45 am
Sinudeity, SURELY, you mean keep SPORT out of POLITICS...Hee hee
zn gillion on September 18, 2009, 10:49 am
For the sake of crying out loud. Chuene should have been fired on more than one occassion but the politicians jumped in at every turn. Are we going to see Chuene thrown under the bus this time and if so its going to be messy.We could even have his past sleazy beaviour dragged out again. It's like firing an incompetent whose incompetence you would have publicly denied many times before.We will definitely watch this space.
william sithonga on September 18, 2009, 10:57 am
How can ASA launch a commission into themselves.Thats like asking rapists and criminals to conduct the investigations of their crimes to themselves.And what was Khompela doing coaching Caster what to say to the press? This gets more bizarre by the day.
neill forbes on September 18, 2009, 11:00 am
Who is the M&G's source? They reveal excerpts of emails between Adams, Malehopo and Chuene which purport to villify Malehopo and Chuene. Then they claim to be unable to contact Adams. Who else could their source be?
In my view, the worst assault on Semenya's dignity has been inflicted by the media using their dubious information leaks and unnamed sources. While ASA may have blundered colossally, they are not the ones entertaining the public with exposes of another human's privacy. While the M&G continues to rely on anonymous sources, they are attempting to wash dirty linen with very dirty hands.
Simanga Shongwe on September 18, 2009, 11:00 am
This is so shameful.Who ever is involved in this disgusting scandal, please do us favour resign immidately We cannot carry on like this, we are the laughing stock of the world!To Caster,hold on there my dear sister God will turn everything in your favour.
joseph sibanda on September 18, 2009, 11:00 am
Please bear with me on this flight of conjecture...
The leak to the Australian media was made by someone who had access to the test results. It was either Shimange, the doctor who tested Semenya, or Adams, who received the results from Shimange. But it seems that Adams is the one with a tendency to leak confidential information (the emails referred to by M&G in the article could not have been leaked by Malehopo or Chuene as they are ones who look bad as a result). I fear that, under proper scrutiny, Adams' role in this miserable story will be found extremely disappointing, not to mention his integrity as a human and as a professional. In the end, he may have occasioned one of SA's most embarrassing stories, ever - whatever his motives. As the truth transpires, we may have to consider the implications of Adams' conduct for Zuma and national security if he continues as his personal physician. Imagine the potential information leaks...
Simanga Shongwe on September 18, 2009, 11:41 am
They should have mentioned the shock of the unholy trinity of Chuene, Malema and Winnie Mandela at the "inhuman" way You magazine "exploited" Caster Semenya by doing that glamour article about her... (I take it now that they know where it came from, Malema and Winnie will demand their cut of the money, too.)
Niki W on September 18, 2009, 11:43 am
this is the result again and again of employing cronies and politicians to do the job. The deafening silence of S-for-brains Julias and Winnie is becoming pleasant.
Allan Cohen on September 18, 2009, 11:44 am
That's great. Now the whole world knows what a bunch of fools we have in high places. The sad implication is that through these ridiculous actions, people like Chuene (and the circus that followed, with for example, Minister of Chicken Noluthando Mabaye-Sibande, Winnie, Juli-aaas, etc) confirm unfortunate stereotypes which should belong in the past.
And poor Caster Semenya, cast her aside as a victim of political expedience. Well done.
Donovan Jackson on September 18, 2009, 11:48 am
How did Len Chuene and that brood of vipers get those positions in ASA? A reward for "making noise" during the 'liberation struggle'?
Now Caster has no future in athletics and will always be treated with suspicion in other quarters.
malose nyatlo on September 18, 2009, 12:10 pm
In all of this, what good has the war of words, finger-pointing, insult-hurling and lambasting each other done to the poor girl? She could have been spared all this humiliation...shame on you for using this girl - yes I'm talking about YOU!!!
Gat Vol on September 18, 2009, 12:49 pm
Sick! Surprised?
Ray Ives on September 18, 2009, 12:53 pm
Simanga Shongwe
The reporter from Australie (Mike Hurst) who leaked the story indicated that a close buddy of him from the IAAF leaked the test results to him. It is neither Adams nor Daniels who leaked the story. Remeber that Chuene indicated that it a white racist who leaked the story to the IAAF. Chuene denied that test was done on Semenya in SA. Chuene is not reliable due to his lies nobody can trust him. Questions may be raised on the conduct of Adams and Daniels due to the fact that Daniels resigned and Adams could not be reached for comment.
Johannes Jacobus van Huyssteen on September 18, 2009, 12:57 pm
That is what happens when everything is politically motivated and connected - appointments, service delivery, you name it. It becomes a problem when innocent people's feelings are involved.
Thandiwe Mapi on September 18, 2009, 1:04 pm
I'm waiting for Mr Malema to get involved in the discussion ... amazing isn't it that he has nothing to say when those who REALLY sold Semenya down the river turn out to be ANC-compatriots. Unless he can grandstand, issues like human rights, decency, honesty, etc, clearly don't make it onto his agenda.
Oscar Melamed on September 18, 2009, 1:10 pm
If any politician, within any particular country, interferes in any way whatsoever in that country's Football Association then FIFA may, and has done so on numerous occassions, suspend that country's membership of FIFA. (Of course, countries suspended by FIFA thus far have been predominantly from Africa!).
On this basis I firmly believe that the IAAF should suspend ASA with immediate effect and demand the removal of all at ASA involved in this sorry saga! South Africa, under the Nationalists, was kicked out of most international sports associations because of the Apartheid regimes interference in sport selection based upon race. By the same token, with the present government's interference in sport selection based upon race, perhaps all our sports associations should similarly be kicked out of international sport?
Richard Pretorius on September 18, 2009, 1:28 pm
I just knew it - you just can't trust these darkies; not even with their own kind.
Brandy on eish.
GUS @ WORK on September 18, 2009, 1:35 pm
Good bye, Gus @ Work.
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 1:42 pm
I knew it when Chuene said emails comes from South Africa and accusing white journalist.
Email didn't show where they came from,it was a lie.You can trace emails in any kind of way and he even thought people are so dump that they won't understand how it happened.
Phumelele Ndengezi on September 18, 2009, 1:44 pm
Here's our answer:
"...But the senior official who spoke to the M&G warned that Chuene’s friends “will sit in that commission. Parliament will not help either, because CHUENE IS POLITICALLY WELL CONNECTED...." and "...ADAMS IS NO STRANGER TO CONTROVERSY. In 2005 he was reportedly investigated by the military police in connection with suspected fraud for medicines that he allegedly signed out of the defence force, among other matters...." ANC politicians are again at the centre of a controversy. And they once more tarnished the reputation of ordinary, peace loving, and honourable Black people. Sadly, THEY are seen all over the world as representing the morals and ethics of South Africa's Black population. It is time for the newly oppressed Blacks in this country to throw off the shackles of the ANC and restore their reputation on the world stage.
Cathy Kotze on September 18, 2009, 1:46 pm
Simanga Shongwe (Kitty Kat)
One role of the media is to tell us things that we would otherwise not have known (which is precisely why you read stuff like newspapers) and more often than not we expect them to dig a little deeper on our behalf. But it also serves another important function, e.g. a report of frequent and often fatal accidents on a certain road might lead the authorities to reduce the danger and thus save lives. This is exactly what we expect in response to the Semenya story. A judicial commission of enquiry must be set up to get to the bottom of this sordid mess. We must protect our athletes and others from this kind of shameless exploitation. In any event, the colossal blunder to which you refer is really what the M&G story is all about. By the way, there is nothing entertaining about a few clowns trying to destroy someone else’s life.
Swordfish ;) on September 18, 2009, 1:46 pm
Sinu, Evans, Kaycee, Alan, Craig, it is people like GUS@WORK who really show you guys for what you are...
Sad ... !
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 1:50 pm
Colin, the media in a democratic society, such as SA, should be onjective and unbiased in their reporting. Their neutral coverage of situations and phenomena should allow the reader to make up his or her own mind. That is what objective journalism is all about. Yet, time and time again, M&G has proven that it does not have the interests of it's readership at heart. It is plain to see that it has an agenda of it's own (with exception here and there) and merely promotes a profit-seeking mandate instead of promoting it's own opinion on a subject and passing it off as fact.
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 1:59 pm
It is sad to see that our leaders are still involved such scandals,what are future leaders to learn from these reprehensible felons?
such issues convey our country's name to ignominy, why cant criminals understand that? Exploitation of everage citizens for wealth benefits of leaders is disgusting and unpardonable,especially if it concerns young innocent people. To Casta Semenya: I'm sorry that you have to go through such pain and hulimiliation, however hang in there because this dilemma is soon to be over. To the M&G: you are doing a remarkable job in divulging these criminals to SA and to the world. I sure hope you ascertain more information on them consequently they can be impeached.
Ayanda makhathini on September 18, 2009, 1:59 pm
At least the cats chorus of those shouting 'racists' has diminished to a few cretinous die-hards. Most thinking people understand that ASA have handled this matter with breathtaking cynicism. They have without conscience abused Caster Semenye for selfish purposes.
Then there are the politicians who have reacted prematurely, immaturely and irrationally, with their own cries of racism and sexism. We also have the ludicrous, farcical situation where charges are being laid by the ANC government at the United Nations. South Africa, with all its real problems of crime, corruption, health, education and service delivery; devotes time, money and emotional energy defending the indefensible in the international arena. The only thing stopping the rest of the world breaking into paroxysms of mirth at the antics of South Africa is the tragedy of Caster Semenye.
Duncan McGregor on September 18, 2009, 2:11 pm
Before we fire our deployees and I think we should ban the tabloids newspapers such as M.G.
Oliver Mabogwana on September 18, 2009, 2:17 pm
right one tman lee,damaged has been caused already !!!
These boldheaded australians need to be met with heavy law suits so there learn a lesson that they will neva be too old to learn especially where south africa is concerned,that the story was published was published igt was a deliberate actions from them!!AS for OMKHULU : slow down baba speen kills,and may be it might help to release the prisoner within you!!!
jack masha on September 18, 2009, 2:20 pm
Through all of this saga the one person who has been aware of their condition and the facts has been Caster Semenya. Caster has only one excuse and that of innocent youth. No one has considered the female athletes who competed and lost against Semenya. The whole thing is a fraud.
Johann Braunstein on September 18, 2009, 2:22 pm
moxster, can't help but notice your absence of condemnation and cries to kick people of this site when they are black folk spewing forth violently racist comments. Themba Ndou and his hate speech towards Zimbabweans, Uhuru Africa and his idiotic racism.
Ian mcintosh on September 18, 2009, 2:42 pm
Mcintosh, do I spew racist remarks/hate speech ?
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 2:51 pm
Well what can one say that hasnt been said already. Chuene and buddies should go. Reminds me of a guy who used to be part of Springbok team mangement and also a dministrator of Swimming SA, who frankly knew jack s**t about swimming, yet an administrator of the sport nevertheless. A case of jobs for buddies.. Kick some ass portfolio committee or are you too afraid.
Joe Adams on September 18, 2009, 2:53 pm
Mcintosh, one question for you: do you support what Gus said ?
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 2:55 pm
Here we go again.
I a person is confronted with the truth - they play the race card. I am just glad that they have not blamed "apartheid" for this Semenya saga. If it is not apartheis its racist.
Johannes Jacobus van Huyssteen on September 18, 2009, 2:56 pm
Chuene is a monkey - Direct translation.
Nathi Tshabalala on September 18, 2009, 2:56 pm
Let's have WW3 against Chuene,Stofile,Malema,ANC government,Winnie, Moxster and all the dunces in this country.
The ANC quickly cries RACISM whenever they have something to HIDE.The most disturbing thing about this country is the level of lying among government officials,from the Ministers,MPs,down to the ANCYL. Chuene should be dismissed unceremoniously from his job,he can't be trusted and has made a joke of a country to the International community.They blamed IAAF,Australia and white people for their own mess.Hypocrites. Let's have the same number of people who were bused to the OT airport much to ASA's offices and have Zuma,Winnie chastise Chuene and apologies to the world. Let's have a judicial enquiry to this mess.Or maybe 'redeploy' Chuene tot the presidency. I am embarrassed as South African
Evans Mazi on September 18, 2009, 2:58 pm
We are going to be embarressed more in future if Chuene alike is in charge.
There is plenty examples of past embarresments. Too many to name.
Johannes Jacobus van Huyssteen on September 18, 2009, 3:02 pm
Evans, you are one confused caucasian.
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 3:08 pm
Moxster: My thoughts and opinions are my own. Dont stereotype me moxie.
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 18, 2009, 3:12 pm
The objective of all businesses including newspapers is to make money. Can you imagine how interesting would it be if the article we read didn't read like an epionage novel, with our top journalist hacking into ASA President files & intercepting information communicated to the Doctor (which is meant to be confedential so even the journo that takes it to print can & may be held responsible..ummm),anyway who is also President Zuma & former Mbheki's personal docter who has a mysterious fraud case hanging over his head. Absolute CRAP,Man!Why has all this info just mysteriously comming out now? Everyone is trying to make a buck out of this poor girl & so what if she no longer wants to be exploted & want to get paid for being on a cover, get that money Caster. The focus has completely shifted from the lecture at hand being this girl's right's & privacy being violated. bottom line, if it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck.....it's bloodly DUCK man!habe!!!
Mayibuye iAfrika on September 18, 2009, 3:14 pm
PS moxie:
I have yet to hear your thoughts on ASA lying, and making anti-white racist speeches to cover up their incompetence. Or what you think about Winnie and Malema using Caster as an object, for their own political ambitions. Commenting on M&G is merely a diversionary tactic (Just like Chuene saying 'white south african' racists started this entire issue).
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 18, 2009, 3:14 pm
Mabogwana: Sorry dude, you cant 'ban' free speech, and the free media. Even Malema, using his freedom of speech, can spew as much bile and hate speech as he wants to.
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 18, 2009, 3:16 pm
Its always been said PAC is a racist party.
Think again,it doesn't talk about Black,or White and or Coloureds after all.PAC talks about human race.Read all about them,so that you understand.
Phumelele Ndengezi on September 18, 2009, 3:22 pm
Well said Cathy. Honest black South Africans and the ANC does not deserve each other. The Mandela era ANC and the current ANC are 2 vastly different organisations. Free yourself - we all deserve better.
JC KK on September 18, 2009, 3:22 pm
Sinu, you have yet to hear my thoughts on ASA lying ... ?
Are you not the one who spewed the urban myth: keep politics out of sports or sports out of politics ? Or should it not be sports out of the media or the media out of sports ? Is there a difference ? Needless to say, I have my thoughts, but at this juncture, prefer to keep it my own, for now )there is no reason other than waiting for the facts to unfold, instead of hearsay/speculative journalism as opposed to objective journalism).
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 3:28 pm
Oh stop waving a finger at me and plead the case for media. I will be the first one to acknowledge if everything they print is done objectively and independently. But if you believe that then you also believe that cows jumped over the moon. Firstly the person central to all this nonsense is Castor. CASTOR IS A TEENAGER! Now if you endorse a violation of a RIGHT TO PRIVACY especially a teenager's then how the hell can you objectively claim that media is acting objectively and a watch dog. They are only interested in protecting the rights of certain people and will hound others because it suits their narrow agenda. I want to have an informed opinion and not shout from rooftops on the basis of heresay. I am on the side of the truth provided that this is dealt with in a humane,private and dignified manner. And no amount of cheap publicity and wild allegations is assisting the interests of Castor or her family!
Kitty Kat on September 18, 2009, 3:29 pm
Moxster: The facts are unfolding moxie.
Yeah, keep politics out of sports, was my mantra, since this issue started. If only Chuene/Malema/Winnie listened to me. Keep media out of sports? Thats just silly. ANC politicians dont apologise or take responsibility. Of course, you wouldnt give us your thoughts.
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 18, 2009, 3:36 pm
Sinu, please do not confuse speculation and opinion with facts.
The Moxster on September 18, 2009, 4:01 pm
no moxster. i don't support what gus said. however, you don't seem to be so vehement in attempting to kick of commentators that spew blatantly racist anti white comments, only blatantly racist anti black comments. just puzzled by that really.
Ian mcintosh on September 18, 2009, 4:22 pm
Thank you Setshaba Khanye for being absolutely correct!
What worries me is there another agenda by certain politicians to use anything they can to discredit whites? In doing so they end up making themselves sound stupid and it clearly shows they would rather open their mouths and spew hatred against the rest of the world instead of acting in accordance to their standing and educate themselves on facts and investigation! Cathy Kotze makes sense. So little seems to be done with any wisdom or tact…. Caster will never be the same and she should have been looked after instead of sold off... is this a black cultural thing or just ANC? The sad truth is that ASA have shown that they do not have the skill or worldliness to act in accordance with laws and rules outside of SA and, as they all do here, they think they can just say whatever the want and get away with it. Trouble is… here that’s exactly what they’ll do. Stand back ASA and ANC and watch and learn how to be a part of the World instead of just your back yard. Just because we are an African country doesn’t have to mean we prove to the world we are ignorant! Lets try and live up to being the hub of Africa and not the ar*e of Africa - unless those like Oliver Mabogwana get their way and start banning everything – media is our only window to anything fool. It is their job to dig and discover, and Kitty Kat – shut up – you’re also a fool. Media has nothing to do with people’s feelings – it never has – it only cares about reporting and no matter how they report – we need them to report and if you aren’t getting the M&G by email then how did you get onto this blog in the first place… and if you are – then what does that make you?
L V on September 18, 2009, 4:31 pm
The Moxster - you took the bait and do not see the forest for the trees. Once a troll always a troll. Incidentally for a person who does not like this publication you seem to get involved rather deeply and don't miss a line.
fred sevillano on September 18, 2009, 4:51 pm
This article is nothing new when it comes to Leonard Chuene. He has a history of being dogged by controversy and disgrace. The following link is testimony to the 'underhand' dealings of Chuene.
http://iluvsa.blogspot.com/2009/08/cheating-chuene-doesnt-change-his-spots.html In it, Chuene, 55, denied having a sexual relationship with his 'personal' secretary, Humile Bogatsu, 21, 34 years his junior. It was also Chuene that secured a salary increase for his PA of R10,000 pm. So, Chuene is big enough to have an affair but is not man enough to admit to his disgraceful handling of Caster's gender testing. Does Leonard Chuene really have any 'balls'?
Madulla Nkosi on September 18, 2009, 6:05 pm
The Moxter: Mcintosh, do I spew racist remarks/hate speech ?
The Moxter: Evans, you are one confused caucasian. Res ipsa loquitur?
Marius de Kock on September 18, 2009, 6:06 pm
What is all this fuss ! This the SA way, you cheat lie, steal murder as long as you get what YOU want. No shame, no conscience. Just follow the leader. The End always justifies the means.
Speaking Honestly on September 18, 2009, 6:35 pm
ASA please remember fools cannot lie
Llewellyn Skea on September 18, 2009, 7:39 pm
It looks as though Mr Chuene owes white South Africans an apology for his malevolent and hurtful accusations that they were the instigators of Ms Semenya's misfortunes
Roger Pacey on September 18, 2009, 8:10 pm
Horrible. Disgusting. Shameful. UNprincipled Greedy. Inhuman. Selfish.
There now, after all is said and done, South Africa lowers itself further among the nations of the world. And all the more so after ASA's invective against the IAAF. Thank you Mr Chuene, now go directly to gaol you treacherous and treasonous dog.
Citizen Mntu on September 18, 2009, 9:21 pm
Nathi Tshabalala says it all: The ANC quickly cries RACISM whenever they have something to HIDE.The most disturbing thing about this country is the level of lying among government officials, from the Ministers,MPs,down to the ANCYL.
Japie Bosch on September 18, 2009, 10:17 pm
So are you prepared to apologise to us 'racist' Australians now? I guess not. You guys need to grow up. Seriously.
Louis D on September 18, 2009, 10:18 pm
Johann Braunst...stop blaming Caster, for heaven's sake, the fact she knows is that she is a woamn and thats it..she is an innocent 18 year old struck into unnecessary controversy due to failure of the people who were supposed to protect her- WE REALLY MUST LEAVE HER OUT THIS WHOLE MATTER. For starters ASA could have done a proactive PR providing profile of their athletes before Berlin, they could have ran a positive communication strategy throughout Berlin, Chuene would have saved himself and the whole matter for not being openly emotional- that didn't help, it just grew the speculation and more questions. ASA did something wrong and only them know, just the fact that to date they have not issued a statement says a lot and have left the matter in the court of pubic opinion- its too late for damage control. ASA's own website leave a lot to be desired. As for the media, the question need to be asked, what is your intent in publishing stories based on 'unnamed sources', the media has no heart, that is if it has a conscience and pity our own media has jumped on the bandwagon relying on 'unnamed sources' and secondary info from foreign media. No one and no politician was barred from welcoming Mokgadi at the airport. And why Helen Zille has not uttered a word, at least abt this gross abuse of women by prejucial, egoistic men..by the way all people involved in Mokgadi's case are men. Anyone who thinks politics and sport don't mix, must just forget...u must thank apartheid for that..
2cents 2cents on September 18, 2009, 10:21 pm
What was that Winnie said about press freedom that day at the airport when Caster got back from Berlin?
Jason Whitehead on September 19, 2009, 1:52 am
It's becoming increasingly evident that SA's crooked ANC
Siegfried Hannig on September 19, 2009, 2:11 am
It's becoming increasingly evident that SA's crooked ANC cronies set out deliberately to deceive the athletics world with a case of dubious sexuality. As usual, when it didn't come off, those crooks disgracefully abused their black race to misplace the blame on "racist colonialists" when they, yes, Leonard Chuene were clearly to crooks! I nominate Leonard Chuene as the next recipient of the highest of all honours of Mapungubwe, in accordance with the ANC's racist, corrupt shamelessness. Oh yes, don't forget to give one of those Mapungubwe medals to that East German head coach of Athletics SA, Dr Ekkart Arbeit, who distinguished himself with trans-sexualism for East German athletes in the days when our ANC leaders underwent training in East Germany in the inhuman abuses for which the Communist Stasi was notorious. Shame on all of those psychopathic abusers of humanity who now occupy the Union Buildings.
Siegfried Hannig on September 19, 2009, 2:26 am
The mere fact that a notorious East German, accused of almost Frankensteinian sex-changing practices, is still SA's head coach leaves absolutely no doubt about Leonard Chuene's dishonest intentions with Caster Simenya. But instead of charging and prosecuting Chuene for disgracing the nation, our "mis-Government" reaps additional international disgrace for our corrupt nation!
Aren't we lucky this "Chief Justice John Hlophe" of the athletics world isn't contributing to the ever-extending corruption our entire judicial system in violation of our much-vauted "Constitution"?
Siegfried Hannig on September 19, 2009, 2:53 am
Moxster you are one really twisted individual. In this entire thread, not once have you stated opinion, you have just slated what other people have said. You try and take this holy attitude, yet quite clearly hate white people. Bottom line in this whole saga, is again like the JZ one : people are trying to cover up what happened, because they want to save face and embarrasment. The black spokespeople blurted out that the intent behind this sex saga was racist, which was a complete farce, or should I say arse, statement. At least Semenya's coach has some courage. Your ANC, your corruption, your struggle, your problem. Please at least try and take your blinkers off, and give back that free T shirt. If you stop trying to blame white people for everything in your life, you might just realise the truth, that black people too are racist, and will exploit anything for personal gain. After all we are all human and therefore equal are we not?
Pasta Bag on September 19, 2009, 6:03 am
Oh but how sweet the silence from our national buffoon Malema....Long may it last.
karin morrow on September 19, 2009, 8:20 am
As a further aside - seeing as how all the cheating has exposed all - perhaps Caster can now go across to Thailand or the Philippines and take up a new non athletic career as a "ladyboy"
But then again maybe not - I am fairly well informed that "ladyboys" are men who want to be women - not women who want to be men .... Although I have often wondered how many time Chuene and Malema have played with a soap on a rope shower session ............... the mind boggles - truly it does...................
Jay Vincento on September 19, 2009, 8:31 am
Tman Lee wants to sue the international Media, aspecially, (sic) racist white Australia press
Ian mcintosh said Well said Thami Khumalo ........ and I concur But in the end Caster is a grown person, albeit neither woman - nor man - BUT (s)he knew that (s)he was cheating when (s)he raced and failed the test Malehopo, Stofile, Maponyane, Mlangeni-Tsholetsane, Chuene knew that they were putting up am impostor - a cheat - and also failed the test....... Malema and "necklace" Winnie of course brought out the race card and failed the test Obviously even at cheating you are failures - so why not do something you really excel at - like poisoning the All Blacks before a test? As for Semenya, perhaps the "Boks would be able to fit her in - with the times (s)he was making I would have though a speedy winger - but then (s)he has the build of a front row prop perhaps? As for the others - maybe might be good as tackle dummies - not much other use from what I can see ............ Just a thought
Jay Vincento on September 19, 2009, 8:34 am
Question for Menesta Stofile: is the third world war still on?
Barbara Ludwig on September 19, 2009, 8:49 am
In the end the truth always comes out. The M&G has done their job superbly: Dig for the facts; verify, verify and verify again; then publish and let the interested parties respond. Thereafter, repeat the verified facts.
Hermina Jacobs-Sanson on September 19, 2009, 1:44 pm
McIintosh, I defend the majority of South Africans, not the minority.
The Moxster on September 19, 2009, 3:09 pm
so you agree with themba and uhuru? thats rather sad.
Ian mcintosh on September 19, 2009, 4:52 pm
Barbara, yes my dear, the war is still on, especially against individuals like you and Evans Mnanzi.
This is still a race issue, from every angle. Mcintosh, I appear here in my own capacity, just like you and Uhuru and Themba. [Do not pigeon-hole, 'cause you gonna end up with bird-sht] Aluta Continua !
The Moxster on September 19, 2009, 11:41 pm
Moxster: You defend the ANC elite top dawg minority.
And didnt you pigeonhole a few of us friday?
Sinudeity @gmail.com on September 20, 2009, 1:19 am
Anybody in need of lessons in racism should contact the old girl,Winnie or maybe wee wee Julius, Leonard is a poor choice he lacks finesse brother Komphela is a good choice as he has experience or visit old Bob. I think they will charge you an arm and a leg so beware
Llewellyn Skea on September 20, 2009, 6:26 pm
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The honourable thing of course is for the folks in ASA to fall on their swords, and save as the embarrasment and the humulliation.
It looks like they have been rather dishounarable in their conduct