COSATU Supports Rugby Quotas

COSATU, which represents the interest of a number of black rugby players, is firmly in support of quotas in rugby and other sporting codes. The players' unions clearly represent the majority of white players and speak mainly in the interest of these white players.

COSATU in the Western Cape has been requested by some of the black players to speak on behalf of their particular interests. COSATU's broader view is also to support quotas in all sporting codes. The establishment clearly wants to maintain the generational advantages of white players, in the main.

COSATU calls for more representivity in all sporting codes including more whites in soccer, as the national teams must represent the demographics of the whole country.

COSATU rejects AfriForum's view as that of a racist cabal trying to defend the generational advantage of white players. COSATU supports the view of Oregan Hoskins in dismissing them as a fringe group with no concern for the national interest, which has consistently been ignored by the IRB.

The discussions on quotas were delayed because the administrators have allowed coaches to make decisions outside of the national interest. This must stop, as the majority of South Africans demand more representative teams, in spite of cosy deals between black and white sports administrators. The political leadership in the form of the Sports Minister must also be more decisive in enforcing the quotas rule in sporting codes.

Statement issued by Tony Ehrenreich, COSATU Western Cape Provincial Secretary, June 24 2014

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