Political Player

MENTION the name Gary Player and it evokes widespread and diverse reactions, so the opinion piece by Don Makatile, “Gary Player has let another chance pass to speak out against apartheid” (Cape Times, August 11), and the response by M Shawzin, “True Player facts” (August 12), is par for the course (excuse the golfing parlance).

In fact the debate around him highlights the fractious nature of race relations in South Africa. As a freelance sports journalist since 1976 I respect his golfing history. However, I can best describe Player as a “political opportunist”. He has a history of supporting and defending the apartheid regime, amongst his famous quotes were “I am a man of Verwoerd and apartheid”. In his book Grand Slam Golf (1966) he makes no bones about his support for separate development.

He was a regular golfing buddy of prime minister BJ Vorster and also played a role in the Nats’ sanctionbusting campaign. As a member of the state-sponsored Committee for Fairness in Sport, he was instrumental in enticing black American golfer Lee Elder to South Africa.

The infamous Papwa Sewgolum affair of the sixties has been well documented; suffice to say not once did Player hit out against those racist laws. Neither have I subsequently ever heard him apologise for defending apartheid. I guess he has a short memory or thinks he has done nothing wrong.

Since democracy Player has changed his views and his Foundation has claimed that it has raised millions of rand for underprivileged children.

It is ironical that were it not for the conciliatory stance taken by Nelson Mandela on his release, Player and his ilk who organised rebel cricket and rugby tours in the eighties should all have appeared before the TRC. Goosain Abrahams Walmer Estate