Who has the right to select, define merit?

THE Nick Mallett, Naas Botha and Ashwin Willemse SuperSport saga is an interesting case which can be used to ascertain how far we have evolved as free citizens in a post-apartheid community.

While much is to be revealed in the impending Equality Court episodes, reports revealing which sports persons Mallett chooses to engage with on television are revealing.

Mallett claims that his “chosen ones”, undoubtedly players of colour, have more to offer than the “garbage” that Willemse delivers (SA RugbyMag, June 19). Therein lies the rub. The real grievance stems from who has the right to select and define merit. Apparently this still rests in the hands of individuals who were privileged by apartheid. Inevitably, those who still hold the economic reins. We have not settled into accepting this reality.

It is this underlying psychology of the politics of power, racism and racial superiority that is being exposed and interrogated.

Using professional black lackeys to perpetuate privilege does little to erase this insidious product of apartheid.

Elitism still permeates many aspects of our productive lives. Who sets the measures by which we evaluate ourselves in cultural production, education, sport or other endeavours while we seek, in our tireless quest, to transform our country? ABU BAKR SOLOMONS Southfield