Saru shows double standards
IT IS befitting to open this opinion piece with the words of Nelson Mandela: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) surprised the world after it took a shocking decision to withdraw its invitation to the Israeli team, Tel Aviv Heats, to compete in the newly established local rugby competition, Mzansi Challenge League. The competition involves local and overseas teams.
Given our diversity as a nation, we are continually divided over domestic and international issues. Locally, for example, we differ about whether Jacob Zuma should be punished for his alleged wrongdoing. On the international front, we have those who are calling for our government to be firm against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, whereas the government is arguably in bed with that country.
Then there are the long-standing political and security tensions between Israel and Palestine. The ANC has made its decision to support Palestine while painting Israel as the “bad boys”.
There are nevertheless people who believe that the SA government should be proactive and useful by supporting a proposed two-state solution as a viable means to restore lasting peace and security in that beautiful, holy land.
SARU’s decision is clearly an outcome of the ANC’s political stance and Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) consistent hostile agenda against the state of Israel.
When she was attacked and ridiculed for standing up against the bullies demanding that she withdraw from the 2021 Miss Universe pageant because it was being held in Israel, Miss SA, Lalela Mswane, refused to be told what to do and competed in the event.
The Miss South Africa organisation supported her in her decision, and she went on to win third place. Unlike Miss SA and Mswane, however, SARU failed to stand its ground against the so-called “stakeholders” who opposed the inclusion of the Israeli team.
SARU president Mark Alexander said: “We have listened to the opinions of important stakeholder groups and have taken this decision to avoid the likelihood of the competition becoming a source of division, notwithstanding the fact that Israel is a full member of World Rugby and the IOC.”
SARU should explain to those international bodies why it acted the way it did. SARU should also let us know who the so-called “stakeholders” are.
It is a naked fact that the ANC has been campaigning against Israel for some time now, vilifying that country when it should be helping to resolve the political impasse in the region.
Our country’s double standard when it comes to dealing with different countries/issues is also disgraceful. Russia continues to enjoy good relations with South Africa despite the bad that Russia continues to do from Crimea to Ukraine. China and Zimbabwe’s human rights violations are well documented, but South Africa has never condemned either of those countries. In Iran, the government has so far arrested thousands of people while hundreds, including children, have been killed by Iran’s security agencies following the brutal death in custody of Mahsa Amini. The South African government did nothing. It is, however, quick to respond whenever Israel is involved, even before establishing the facts of the matter.
SARU lays claim to being a non-political actor. Its latest bizarre decision, however, suggests otherwise.