This is according to Cycling SA president William Newman, who said the matter is viewed in a very serious light.
Luthando Kaka, the country’s first black cyclist to race overseas professionally and to lead a cycling club, is taking legal action against fellow cyclist Dusty Day, after he was allegedly called a k****r.
The incident took place during the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight race, in Boksburg, last month.
According to Kaka’s lawyer, Themba Mthethwa, Day verbally attacked Kaka, the captain of the Bonitas professional cycling team, in an unacceptable rant.
The matter has since been presented to Cycling SA’s disciplinary committee.
According to a statement from the country’s cycling body, when a charge is brought against a member and there is evidence to support the charges, the person is placed under provisional suspension immediately, while the process is completed.
Day has thus been provisionally suspended.
According to Cycling SA, a few days after his suspension Day laid a counter charge against Kaka and, following the same disciplinary process, this resulted in Kaka also being placed under provisional suspension.
Upon representation from Kaka’s advisors to Cycling SA, by mutual agreement between the parties, Kaka’s suspension was lifted on February 27, until the finalisation of the disciplinary hearing.
“There is no place for such racial behaviour in our sport and society. Cycling SA further reiterates its zero tolerance approach to racism in any sport,” said Newman.
“No person should be treated the way Luthando Kaka was treated and we apologise to Luthando for him having been subjected to this very embarrassing and humiliating experience.”
Retina South Africa
The organisers of the annual Dis-Chem Ride for Sight Race, Retina SA, have expressed shock and support for Kaka amid the incident – stating that such behaviour is unacceptable in the race and cycling in general.
“Luthando is very respected in the cycling fraternity,” said national secretary of Retina SA, Claudette Medefindt.
“The Dis-Chem Ride for Sight race helps to raise funds for the international search for treatments for retinal blindness. The event helps everybody in the country, whether black, brown or white.
“We have never before had this kind of incident over the last 27 years and it’s really unfortunate.
“We are distraught and appalled and, if the accusations are true, appropriate measures must be taken.” – @SabeloBoksburg
