JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says it will launch an investigation into athletes’ living conditions at the African Senior Championships in Accra.
This comes after shot put athlete Aiden Smith took to social media to complain about conditions at the championships’ accommodation venue.
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Smith claimed athletes were limited to one portion of food.
"As athletes, we need to eat properly and recover," he said.
"But there were constant limits even when we asked for more," he added.
Smith also complained about a lack of blankets in rooms at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon. He said conditions were the worst he had experienced at a major championship.
This is the first time Ghana is hosting the event.
Minister Gayton McKenzie says he has instructed officials to investigate the allegations.
In a statement, the minister said the department had been directed to find alternative accommodation for Team SA.
However, after the department addressed the immediate concerns, the athletes opted to remain at the accommodation in Accra.
"The welfare of our athletes is non-negotiable," said McKenzie.
"We need to understand what led to the concerns," he added.
McKenzie said the department will continue monitoring the situation.
Team SA is expected to return to South Africa over the weekend.