Caster’s treatment shows ‘hatred of African women worldwide’ – Malema

In an interview on Kaya FM on Thursday, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema expressed his views on Olympic medalist and middle-distance runner Caster Semenya’s losing her battle to stop the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) from forcing her and other female athletes to reduce their testosterone levels through medication.

The leader of the red berets expressed the view that her loss was disappointing but not surprising, due to the “patriarchal” nature of the world, also hinting that racism was also a factor.

“It is disappointing, but knowing that the world is patriarchal, it oppresses women, African women in particular, it’s not that shocking,” he said.

“If you look at the things that they want Caster to undergo, it is not fair.

“She must know, it is not about her but the hatred of African women worldwide, it is not her battle only but our battle and she must not get tired,” he continued.

READ MORE: Semenya hints at quitting athletics following IAAF ruling

“Ms Semenya is reviewing the decision with her legal team and considering whether to file an appeal,” Semenya’s lawyers said in a statement.

The new rules would force athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) to take medication in order to reduce their natural testosterone levels to 5nmol/L in order to compete internationally over distances ranging from 400m to the mile (1.609km).

Semenya’s future in athletics hangs in the balance.

She initially said she might take the matter back to court, but earlier on Thursday sent out a tweet indicating she might be considering ‘walking away’ from her career in sports.

Semenya will compete in what could be her last-ever international 800m race when she lines up at the Diamond League season opener in Doha on Friday night.

(Additional reporting, Wesley Botton and ANA)