The Department of Sport and Recreation has lifted its ban that had prevented South Africa’s rugby, cricket and netball organisations from bidding for and hosting major events. 

In April 2016, former minister Fikile Mbalula revoked the hosting rights of SA Rugby, Cricket South Africa, Netball South Africa and Athletics South Africa for failing to meet its transformation targets.

‘I would like to congratulate rugby, cricket and netball on their improved scores, you were clearly willing to walk the extra mile,’ said minister of sport Thulas Nxesi on Tuesday.

‘Their right to bid for and host major sporting events, which was revoked before, is hereby immediately reinstated,’ he said. ‘But we would like to re-emphasise our expectations for sporting federations to take charge and provide leadership at school and club levels.’

Government can now officially back the 2023 Rugby World Cup bid, and SA Rugby will be able to submit its final, signed bid documents to World Rugby by the 1 June deadline.

Of the four codes, athletics was the only one to not have its ban lifted.