Rugby needs order of boot

17 August 2015 - 02:01 By Thabile Mange, via e-mail

In South Africa, and in most other parts of the world, football enjoys a large following. But rugby and cricket get nearly all the money in this country. Business prefers to invest its money in sports favoured by the white minority. The more things change, the more they remain the same.Transformation in rugby is in the spotlight again. What's new? The pertinent question is: what is the barrier to transformation in rugby?The answer is simple: Rugby bosses are not committed to transformation. Though they claim otherwise, they don't want the status quo to change.What has Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer done to push the transformation agenda?ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe has said: " Meyer has taken us backwards in terms of transformation. He is also not performing. We lost three Test matches in a row ."We cannot do things the same way for 21 years and expect different results. We have done enough talking; now it's time to act.The problem is that the Minister of Sport, Fikile Mbalula, treats the issue of transformation in rugby with kid gloves. Transformation will only happen when there is a political will to give the sport a kick in the pants.Blacks have played second fiddle in rugby for a long time. It's time that the sporting code reflected the true demographics of the country.Blacks are the majority and it must show, even in sport. But that all depends on you, Mr Mbalula...

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