Quotas in South African sport necessary tool of transformation: Committee Chair

Ms Dlulane said the view attributed to Mr Kolisi is unfortunate and cautioned against sports personalities commenting on race issues.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation, Ms Beauty Dlulane, has said that quotas in South African sport are a necessary tool of transformation.

“Transformation in our country has to happen. Quotas in un-transforming sports codes, especially rugby at the national level, are a way of enforcing it. If some sectors resist being part of the new South Africa, as seen in some sporting codes such as rugby and cricket at the national level, then the committee supports the use of the quota system. This has no bearing on competence,” Ms Dlulane said.

Springbok captain Mr Siya Kolisi is reported to have voiced opposition to racially-based quotas in sport and said that former President Nelson Mandela would not have supported such a system.

Ms Dlulane said the view attributed to Mr Kolisi is unfortunate and cautioned against sports personalities commenting on race issues. “Their opinions might be interpreted as being insensitive to the realities of our country. South Africa is a diverse nation. Transformation is government policy and will remain so for as long as necessary.”

Ms Dlulane further congratulated Banyana Banyana coach, Ms Desiree Ellis, and Ms Thembi Kgatlana for winning the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women Coach of the year and Women Player of the year, respectively.

(With Inputs from APO)