We normally refrain from mixing politics with sport in this column. My comments below should also not be construed as political, but rather as a practical perspective on a few issues that should never even have been raised. The fact that government has distanced itself from recent comments in this regard confirms my view.
During Tuesday’s meeting of South Africa’s parliamentary portfolio committee on sport and recreation with the SA Rugby Union, Mr Strike Ralegoma, an MP, asked for the removal of the Springbok emblem from the South African national rugby side.
“For successful transformation, all national teams must play with a single emblem,” said Ralegoma. “The Protea is used by all other sports as the emblem, but there is SARU that will use the Springbok. It is important that we have a single logo.”
Strike 1
The Springbok emblem appears on the right-hand side of the Bok jersey in Tests while the Protea is on the left. This was done specifically to appease people like Mr Ralegoma, and in keeping with the wishes of Madiba that the emblem should not be done away with. The same applies to the Bafana Bafana jersey, which also features the Protea on the left, while mostly placing a sponsor’s logo where the Bok emblem appears, and the SAFA logo in the middle.
Strike 2
According to News24, Ralegoma also “…criticised the slow pace of transformation in South African rugby and told the South African Rugby Union (SARU) leadership there would be consequences if the game doesn’t transform quicker.”
To the best of my knowledge this issue has been very clearly thrashed out between SARU and the Minister of sport. The SARU website contains a 58-page document outlining exactly what is in the pipeline as far as transformation is concerned.
I think this is an attempt to rattle a sabre without realising that the scabbard is empty.
Strike 3
“SARU were also taken to task about the lack of women in its leadership.”
Perhaps this same logic should be applied regarding the lack of males in the leadership of SA Netball? In addition, the honourable MP should perhaps also have a look at the make-up of the SA Football association’s composition in this regard.
In ander verwikkelinge het De Akker in Stellenbosch, een van die oudste pubs in die land, onlangs weer heropen na daar vrese was dat dit omskep sou word in kantore.
Daar is min lekkerder plekke om na werk ‘n biertjie te drink, of die rugby saam met geesgenote te kyk.
Ek gaan vanmiddag daar ‘n draai maak om so ‘n langt koue enetjie te geniet om die bitter smaak wat bogenoemde in die mond laat, uit te spoel.
Wie weet, nou dat dit reën in die Kaap, vat ek dalk sommer twee.
An old case of “Engage brain before mouth.” Sadly, very lacking in political spheres.