Political mess is why we lost World Cup

Beleaguered South Africa were reminded again on Wednesday that realpolitik, to put it bluntly, is a bitch. We were promised the 2023 Rugby World Cup by SA Rugby and World Rugby but we didn’t get it.

It really isn’t surprising because the world in 2017 functions according to the politics of practicality, not morality or happiness. In other words, fairy tales don’t happen.

It’s a depressing thought yet I’m not sure if we should despair over this outcome. To be honest, we should be grateful.

I don’t want to focus on the external factors that derailed our bid. All I can say is that African unity is a myth.

Some observers say South Africa lost because they played by the rules like gentlemen. We probably should be proud about that but, unfortunately, nice guys do finish last in these contests.

I’m far more encouraged by the belief that our failed bid re-emphasises that we live in a deeply flawed country.

I fully agree that, in rugby terms, South Africa is miles ahead of the rest. But what many seemed to forget is World Rugby’s criteria of “an enabling environment of political and financial stability”.

South Africa simply can’t provide that guarantee over the next six years.

I don’t need to tell you about the uncertainty regarding our political future.

Government provided a R2.9 billion guarantee to World Rugby but I can’t help but feel it’s money wasted given our fiscal mess. We also don’t know in what situation our rugby will be by 2023.

Western Province’s commercial arm was liquidated last year, the Blue Bulls are downsizing and the smaller unions are already financially dead.

SA Rugby has even reached the stage where senior Springboks pay for their own business class tickets to Europe because the local governing body can only afford economy class as part of an effort to save R200 million over the next two years.

Even if we did win that bid, we couldn’t be guaranteed an influx of tourists and its associated economic benefits. We don’t know what effect Brexit could have on British tourists’ disposable income.

Maybe Europe is hit with a recession again, maybe the developed world is helping the US overthrow North Korea or maybe our country has just collapsed.

Be glad this showpiece tournament won’t happen … because we simply just don’t know anything.