LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

The Nationalist Government and the South African Cricket Association are now involved in a clash over South Africa’s future in international cricket. Details of the events leading up to the clash can now be revealed. When the SA Cricket Association asked permission to include two non-Whites in the Springbok team to tour Australia, it made it clear the Government’s decision — whatever it was — would be publicly announced. The association’s approach was motivated by a sincere belief that its case would receive sympathetic consideration. The Government gave its reply to the association on March 26. It was no. — April 4 1971

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

President Nelson Mandela’s intervention has preserved the Springbok emblem for rugby. At a meeting in Vanderbijlpark, National Sports Council president Mluleki George conceded that had it not been for a plea by President Mandela, the Springbok would have been scrapped in favour of the king protea. Mr George told the meeting: “We met with President Mandela, a person we love, admire and trust, on the issue. The President, by virtue of his position, has a broader view of things. He took us into his confidence and counselled us on his wishes. Consequently we recommend that rugby be granted permission to use the Springbok as part of its emblem.”