Willemse ‘not aware’ of being axed
Former Springbok winger and SuperSport presenter Ashwin Willemse said he was not aware of his commentary contract with the pay-channel expiring.
SuperSport announced on Thursday that Willemse‚ who was at the heart of a studio walkout involving former Springboks Nick Mallett and Naas Botha after a Super Rugby match between the Lions and the Brumbies at Ellis Park on May 19‚ would not be back on air.
“You are calling me in regard to something I haven’t read and I don’t know what you’re talking about‚” Willemse said.
SuperSport communications co-ordinator Sandile Luthuli confirmed that Willemse’s contract with the pay-channel had expired and he would not be back on air.
However‚ detailed questions forwarded to SuperSport with regard to Willemse’s expiry date – and the length of his contract – were not answered accurately.
“Ashwin Willemse’s contract with SuperSport has expired and he will not be back on air‚” Luthuli said.
“We have not heard from the Equality Court. We are in communication with the SA Human Rights Commission.
“We referred advocate Vincent Maleka SC’s report to the commission‚ in accordance with one of his recommendations following his independent review of the matter.”
In the June 19 news conference at which SuperSport CEO Gideon Khobane presented the findings of the Maleka report‚ Khobane said Willemse’s contract was not terminated and the former Springbok had not resigned.
Willemse spoke of being labelled a quota player before the May 19 walkout and refused to be “patronised by two individuals who played in an apartheid/segregated era”. –