Minister Gayton McKenzie has promised to introduce a risky sport to the country next year – Power Slap – and many South Africans are worried.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture – who has already defended his decision to legalize car wiring – made the announcement on his popular X account.

GAYTON MCKENZIE PROMISES DEADLY SPORT

After meeting UFC founder Dana White last month, Gayton McKenzie recently revealed he was in talks to bring the CEO’s other sport – Power Slap – to South Africa.

He tweeted: “This sport is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Power Slap really goes everywhere. I’m happy it’s coming to South Africa next year. I think we will have more champions here at home soon.

The Power Slap competition sees two opponents slap each other with their bare hands and full force in an attempt to win a title. According to the rules, those who are slapped must not flinch, raise their shoulder or tuck their chin. They have 60 seconds to “recover” from the slap, which often ends in knockouts or loss of consciousness. What is alarming is that no protective helmets are worn.

Despite the popularity of the sport online, the minister’s announcement has many social media users concerned about the safety aspect of the sport.

@VRA2021: “It’s the cause of brain injuries and Parkinson’s disease. It’s the stupidest thing ever.

@lln1982: “Have you checked the health consequences (immediate and latent) of these slaps? Facial paralysis, bell palsy, whiplash, TMJ and upper spinal injuries are some of the side effects of ridiculous sports activity.

@simplify1: “I would not recommend any child to do this. Or any human being, for that matter. This is not a sport, and our government should not encourage citizens to irreparably harm their health in this way!

DANGERS OF THE POWER CLAP

According to several experts, Power Slap sport and other variations pose adverse health risks.

They include:

• Severe concussions and irreparable neurological damage
• Internal brain bleeding.
• Hearing loss
• Seizures
• Death

In an open letter calling for Power Slap to be banned, neurologist Dr Gregory O’Shanick wrote: “There will be deaths because of this, there is no doubt. There will be deaths. »

According to the BBCPolish Power Slap fighter Artur Walczak suffered a brain hemorrhage during a match in 2021 in which he was knocked unconscious and lost consciousness.

He died a few weeks later from multiple organ failure linked to his head trauma.

IS GAYTON MCKENZIE’S LATEST POWER SLAP PROMISE RESPONSIBLE?

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