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Damola Durosomo
May. 01, 2019 01:37PM EST

Caster Semenya Loses Landmark Case Against the IAAF Over Controversial Testosterone Rules

"The decision of Cas will not hold me back. I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world," says the athlete.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has rejected South African Olympic gold medalist, Caster Semenya's, challenge agains the IAAF's implementation of a new eligibility requirement that would force female athletes with naturally higher testosterone levels to either take medication in order to compete or to compete in other races , BBC Sport reports.

Last June, Semenya took legal action against the board, calling the rule discriminatory and unfair. "I just want to run naturally, the way I was born," said the 28-year-old athlete at the time.

The South African government launched the #NaturallySuperior movement in February to support the athlete and her right to compete as she is. The Minister of Sport, Toko Xasa, described the requirements as being a "gross violation of internationally accepted standards of human rights."

Despite the rule's apparent bias, Cas has ruled in favor of the IAAF.

In a statement on Wednesday, Cas claimed it had "serious concerns as to the future practical application of the rule." It admitted that the rule is, in fact, discriminatory, but claimed the discrimination was "necessary, reasonable and proportionate" to protect "the integrity of female athletics."

In response to the ruling, Semenya criticized the IAAF for consistently targeting her, but noted that she has no intention of letting the ruling stop her. "For a decade the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger," said the athlete. "The decision of Cas will not hold me back. I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world."

Earlier today, the athlete tweeted a graphic, which read "sometimes it's better to react with no reaction."

Many online have expressed anger about the ruling, with several calling out the IAAF for its treatment of Semenya throughout the years. Several are pointing out the unjust racial and gender dynamics that have surrounded the federation's decision.












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Via Flickr Creative Commons

Listen to 10 Great Songs From Johnny Clegg

Here are some of the best songs to remember South Africa's son of the soil.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that South African musician, Johnny Clegg, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Understandably, heartfelt tributes have been pouring in ever since. Long before it was cool (or even legal) to be in close proximity to blackness and anything attached to it in South Africa, Clegg, a white man, was doing just that. That is exactly why he was given the endearing title of South Africa's "son of the soil."

Growing up during Apartheid, Clegg was taught how to speak the Zulu language by a domestic worker named Charlie Mzila. In his teenage years, his appreciation for the Zulu culture continued and he soon learnt the traditional dance styles known as isishameni and also learnt how to play the Maskandi guitar. Clegg's music was a beacon of light during a very dark time in South Africa's history and his songs about Nelson Mandela (at a time where songs were banned for merely mentioning the name of the late statesman and other key struggle activists) brought the country together.

It is irrefutable that a music giant has fallen. However, Clegg leaves behind a wealth of music featuring other great South African artists and groups such as Zakwe, Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Juluka/Suvuka, among several others. His music undeniably brought South Africans and people all around the world together.

We've picked ten of our favorite songs from the late musician's discography in honor of a life that was lived to the fullest.

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Stonebwoy in "Tuff Seed"

The 12 Songs You Need to Hear This Week

Featuring Stonebwoy, Mahmoud Ahmed, Tiwa Savage x Zlatan, Africa Express, Juls x Mr Eazi and more.

Every week, we highlight the cream of the crop in music through our Best Music of the Week column.

Here's our round up of the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks, which you can also check out in our Songs You Need to Hear This Week playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

Follow our SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS WEEK playlist on Spotify here and Apple Music here.

Check out all of OkayAfrica's new playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

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Beyoncé Wore These 2 African Designers in Her Music Video for 'Spirit'

Queen Bey continues to include and give a nod to African talent in her visuals.

As we draw even closer to Disney's The Lion King opening in theaters this week, Beyoncé continues to lead the way with her new music video for "Spirit"—the first single off of the film's album she produced and curated, The Lion King: The Gift.

Shot in the Havasu Falls in Arizona's Grand Canyon, Beyoncé and her legion of beautiful dancers are one with nature and its various elements as she beckons us to be brave and hear the calling of spirit. As we noted when she announced the album, the track opens with a call and response in Swahili that translates to "Long live the king": Uishi kwa mda mrefu mfalme—uishi kwa.

Keeping our eyes peeled for African influences in the music video, it's evident that is seen in the choreography. We even spotted our extended fam with the afrobeats moves—the AVO Boys: Stephen Ojo and Caleb Bonney—as two of her dancers in the video.

Beyoncé continues to also give a nod to African talent through the looks she donned in "Spirit" styled by her mainstay, Zerina Akers.

Take a look at the two African designers she wore in the video below.

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