Mass Movement makes a successful welcome for Caster Semenya
Caster Semenya was escorted to the stage to dance to singer Chome’s song, Igama lamakhosikazi malibungwe, which means “The name of women must be thanked”.
Athletics South Africa president Leonard Chuene pleaded with South Africans not to be too angry about the ongoing controversy surrounding Semenya’s sex.
"You have the right to be angry but please be angry responsibly. The problem of Caster not being a boy or a girl, doesn’t eminate from Australia but from here in South Africa. Home is the only place where we knew we can come back and get the support," he told the crowd – and then he took a swipe at the country’s whites.
ANC Youth League President Julius Malema said on stage that South Africa is a country of heroes like Nelson Mandela.
"Whether they like it or not she is a female. Where are the white South Africans to welcome Caster? Where are they? Why are we so divided?,” he said.
“The white controlled media – you are wrong, she is a female, please stop bothering her she is female," he said.
Fans are tweeting their pictures and comments on social networking website Twitter and everyone is updating their status every minute as they catch what is going on at the airport.
Police had to hold onto Semenya as they escorted her out of the hall while thousands of people jogged behind her as she was being led to a stage.
President Jacob Zuma arrived at the airport shortly before Semenya along with other government officials, including Social Development Minister Edna Molewa.
Over 5,000 people have gathered at the airport in Johannesburg to welcome home Semenya and the rest of the SA athletics team.
Celebrities, like DJ Sbu from Yfm and Grant Nash, Anele Mdoda and Poppy Ntshongwana from 5fm radio were among those offering their support to the 18-year-old athlete embroiled in a controversy over her sex.
The team have just arrived from Berlin after competing in the World Athletics Championships.
Others out in full force included socialite and businesswoman Uyanda Mbuli and ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.
Thousands of fans and supporters are carrying posters saying "Caster will you marry me?"
Young girls are wearing T-Shirts with, "If Caster is a boy then I am a boy too."
The three South African medal winners, Semenya, 800m men’s winner Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and silver medallist Longjumper Khotso Mokoena, will be meeting President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria later today.
The Times reporters, who are at the airport, said although security at the airport was tight, police are also taking part of the fun atmosphere.
"If you thought Jacob Zuma was popular, then this is huge," a reporter said from the airport this morning.
Crowds are singing and dancing and taking photos, while waiting for their "Golden Girl" to arrive.
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