The matter served before the High Court, Gauteng Division for two days, the 7^th and the 8^th December 2021.

The matter between the Citizens for Integrity (an NPO) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture was served before the High Court, Gauteng Division on the 7^th and 8^th of December 2021. This, over Government’s position to withdraw support for Miss SA, who is scheduled to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant to be held in Eliat, Israel on December 12, 2021. The judge acknowledged that the applicant brought the application as a result of the press statement released by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on the 14^th of November 2021.

We can confirm that the matter has been struck from the roll. The honourable judge accepted that the stance of Government on the non-support of Israel is purely based on Government policy and is the underlying matter for the issuing of the statement. The fact that the statement was aligned to the policy that has been in the public domain for many years represents the backdrop against which the statement was issued.

The Department welcomes the judgement and agrees with the judges views.

Upon hearing of the ruling Minister Nathi Mthethwa said, “Our position is rooted in the responsibility to encourage a culture of moral stewardship amongst all who carry the South African name.”

For media enquiries:

Masechaba Khumalo: Spokesperson (Minister) | Email: MasechabaK@dsac.gov.za | Tel: 082 858 4415

Zimasa Velaphi: Head of Communications | Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za | Tel: 072 172 8925

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE