Ashwin Willemse Walkout: What's Next? | Gareth Mason 

Good day Everyone I apologise to those offended by this video, I am Sports Fan Sharing my thoughts, I have loads of respect for Ashwin Willemse and respect him for what he has achieved. I just feel this could have been handled differently and off-air however If Nick and Naas were racist off air then they need to be punished. Secondly my apologies for my error with regards to the Sports Minister, I got confused and was thinking of our previous sports minister who was male. I'm truly sorry if my remarks offended anyone, it was an honest mistake. I'm a proud South African who believes in equality for all races & religions, we are all equal and I hope and pray as a country we can unite together to make this beautiful country a better place to live in. Apologies once again to those offended. Regards Gareth

I stole this from someone else: Naas Botha is rated as one of the greatest ever flyhalves taking the the Bulls to 9 Currie Cup wins and captaining them 128 times with 1699 points scored personally. He held the record for the most points scored by a Springbok after only 28 tests and was only surpassed by Percy Montgomery in 2004. Nick Mallett is one of the best coaches the Springboks have ever had - taking them to a record 17 wins in a row in rugby tests, he's beaten the All Blacks consistently in the Tri Nations winning the title. His Springboks beat France, Scotland, Ireland and Wales by record margins. He's coached Stade Francais to two successive domestic season titles and had Italy beat France for the first time ever. Ashwin Willemse played for the Cats 24 times scoring 15 points (3 tries) and Lions 7 times score 30 points (6 tries). He played for South Africa 19 times over 4 years and scored 25 points (5 tries). He retired at 27 to arranged shady BEE mining deals for ex-convict Gayton McKenzie in exchange for R61 400 000. Who's the token?

You are the man. Simple and clear. Quota system is disgusting, it's racist.

BALLS OF STEEL to talk about this topic.

Good video, Gareth, despite the negative aspect it is important to bring this up not for the sake of debate but resolution. I'll throw in my two cents on why Ashwin was so upset, this is just my interpretation but I'm speaking as someone who was trained and worked in strategies reading body movements and investments to decipher people's motivations and actions. Here it goes: At the beginning of the segment (the overall segment, not the particular incident) the Lions are said to have a turning point between the red and yellow cards given to the Brumbies, since it wasn't the start of the game they wanted. Ashwin tenses slightly and asks "don't you think it was a good game" while one of the others laugh offscreen. Then it changes to Naas Botha saying he has used all his time (on-air) and he says it is Ashwin's turn and uses a hand gesture that can be seen as dismissive and demanding the person to go say their peace and end it. I've seen the gesture in my travels all over the world and it's a universal sign of rudeness for someone that is not important. Mohono tries to bring everyone back to the topic which was the Lions win at Johannesburg (congratulations Lions). Moving onto the incident itself, assuming Ashwin found the laughter and derisive hand gesture to be patronizing, he then calls them out because they are still laughing even if it isn't out loud and that adds the insult to an already sensitive wound which is the quota system. He specifically says two Apartheid players (Nick Mallett and Naas Botha) "coming here to undermine" and then he walks off and Motshidisi Mohono has to apologize since the discussion was going really well. Analyzing body language, and considering the possibility of off-air comments, Ashwin was triggered by something and he has every right to feel insulted since even without racism the gesture was extremely rude. I've seen much more volatile reactions in South America and Europe from similar gestures. On the topic of racism, it needs to end. It is a systemic infection in every society and it has haunted this world for far too long. And that begins with education and equal opportunities given to everyone. On merit, schools should give scholarships and opportunities at grassroots level like England and New Zealand so rugby becomes part of development and formative years so the best of every race come to the top and then selection becomes a nightmare because there are so many talented players. For example, Warrick Gelant, Lwazi Mbovo, Clayton Bloommetjies, even Damian Willemse at 15 and 11/14 being explosive and terrifying to defend against so you have to pick one fullback. Then add Willie Le Roux to the mix. And Curwin Bosch. On the quota system, it is a ridiculous notion that having the same distribution makes for a good team. Most of these players don't have enough experience so being raised from provincial teams to Springboks will wear away at their confidence and make their form drop. The quota system, requesting equal distribution by Japan 2019 RWC is an absurd dream. 2023 is manageable if you are going to develop players so their physical and mental capabilities are up to par so they start winning Super Rugby games, then international tests, then Rugby Championship, then test series, then being so consistent that pride returns to the Springbok nation. Return to the sentiment that it wasn't the support of the spectators at Ellis Park that gave South Africa its first world cup but rather the entire nation with Francois Pienaar and Nelson Mandela fighting for one nation. Keep up the good work, Gareth. You are a star of the rugby community.

It still disturbs me why Abbott was dropped in favor of Philander in the 2015 CWC. I don't agree with reservation / affirmative action at the elite level. The walkout looks awful. I want Ashwin's grievances sorted, definitely. This is such a bad look for South African sport, in general.

Very good video bud!

Ashwin was pretty average, I still question if he should have been a Springbok.

It is interesting that so many people are taking sides on this issue without being in possession of all the facts/information. Emotion before facts. That in itself tells me that improvements to equality are going to be smaller than hoped and take generations. Despite this, huge steps have certainly already been made. Many successful people will tell you that one of the smart ways to improve is to surround yourself with better people/players and that makes the long term value of the quota system immense. In a rugby sense just because someone was a better player it doesn't automatically make them a better person or automatically give them a better understanding of the game. In NZ a great NZ lock with over 40 tests and over 100 appearances for the All Blacks and at least equal in status to Nick or Naas said in response to another rugby commentator's opinion words to the effect of ...How many tests did you play? A blatant put down because, from memory, he had not represented the All Blacks. I ask, would that have made it a racist comment if the other commentator was not white? I have the utmost respect for the opinions of Ian Smith on rugby in NZ. He played no tests and often sees things died in the wool rugby supporters miss. Another question I ask is: Does the Director of the program have any responsibility here if Ashwin was not given an opportunity to comment prior to the game? Any inquiry needs to find out what happened between the pre match comments and the after match comments to be able to properly assess the whole unfortunate incident. My final questions for people to ponder before coming to their individual conclusions is: Should off air comments be allowed to influence the on air content in a professional employment situation? Or could it be considered unprofessional and maybe even grand standing? Sorry, one more question comes to mind. Was there an established protocol or pathway for any of the panel to take a grievance with other panel members to a body that would deal with or is capable of dealing with it in an unbiased and professional manner? While I do not know the answer i suspect not. If, as i suspect the issue had been building up for some time could it be that course of action had already been explored. People that put down others are usually bullies regardless of the colour of their skin so we have to be very careful before labeling it racist.

As a kiwi who has watched the discussion panel on Supersport for a few years now, I honestly have no idea how Ashwin has managed to retain his job. He's embarrassing and you can tell that the other panelists, including the black and coloured guys often cringe when he's offering his analysis. He very rarely criticises coloured players and he tends to stray off topic more often than not. He also doesn't offer much insight from a tactical point of view. Am not sure if he's told to be controversial, but he has a tendency to generally go against the opinions of the other panelists, often just for the sake of it. Hopefully this incident gets him booted out for good.

I found this interesting. Saw the footage and there was nothing which suggested the gentlemen sitting were patronizing Ashwin. However as you said it could be done off air. SA has definitely got a bad rep for racial injustices and I hope this mentality is removed sooner rather than later.

If it happened off air it would still have leaked and trended on Twitter.

Thanks for the video G-Man , i saw the walkout on Facebook, and was happy to see you made a video on it so i could find out what it was all about. I really enjoyed reading the comments below. We often get similar issues coming up around professional sport in Australia, not on the merit of players but on racism. I wish you guys over there in SA all the best as you discuss these issues and would like to say that we really appreciate the teams you send over here to play a great brand of rugby.

Unfortunately the quota system was devised to destroy the sports we love and is such a big part of our history and culture. There is no other reason for it, end of story. And it's systematically working.

Spot in about the 2015 CWC semi - I think it was the CSA CEO though, that sent the sms.

I watched this on a replay and it's hard to comment on what happened because we don't get to see the whole situation happen. I did not see and indication of a racial slur. Personally, he shouldn't have walked off the set and continued the analysis. If he had an issue with Mallet and Botha he should have discussed this off set. The quota system is stupid and a player should be picked on merit and not colour!

Its Interesting that some of South African government and Sports Minster use the term "Transformation". When talking about choosing people from their colour of their skin as if there trying to disguise it even though its Quota system..

Can anyone explain to me what is the quota system?? And if its right or wrong? I´ve heard many different sayings.

Love it Gareth! I agree 100%; when will we ever learn from stupid and unnecessary past mistakes, that we know cause trouble but do it anyway? :(

sport& politics should not be in the same room g man.

I think Nick is bombastic and interrupts and undermines all fellow commentators no matter who they are. All colors backgrounds etc. That's him. Ashwin has a bit of a chip on his shoulder and took offence. If Nick interrupts others he is rude. If he interrupts a person of color he is a racist. I can't say I understand because I have not been through what Ashwin has. I look forward to the day when comments and disagreements are assessed on merit and each incident is not seen through a racist filter. Just because we have a different opinion does not mean we are a racist. He may just be rude or critical and the issue needs to be addressed that way. I really don't agree with going easy on a person just because he is a person person of color. That is patronizing. I believe you are showing a person of color respect if you treat him like people who are not. You see him as a person and not a color. You are showing that you don't see him is better, worse or different. He is just as worthy of praise or criticism as the next person. If you go easy on him you are telling him he can't take it and in some way is inferior and needs special treatment. That would be a major slap in the face to someone like Ashwin even though he may not be aware of it. If it is racist then take that person on. If it's criticism take it like at man. If it's unwarranted criticism address it and prove him wrong. Don't storm out. When you do that you loose even if you are right.

Great analysis Gareth

From a mediocre quota player to a bad quota presenter. Well done sir, well done indeed!

I disagree with the Luke Watson comment - I believe he was ready and got a few opportunities, but he wasn't a popular figure in rugby circles because he was outspoken about SARU politics et al. but he is a quality player and captained the age-group teams (u-19s & SA Schools etc) He just let himself down. Another problem for Luke was/is his size (for 8th man) being only 1.84m making him shorter than most loosies of the Jake White era (and even Heyneke Meyer; only PDiv used him)- he preferred 'the bigger the better' approach, hence infamously never employed a fetcher flank. BUt mainly, as Pdiv said, Watson's problem was that he "was not a good team man" and his attitude toward Matfield and Smith soured relations. Quotas, in my opinion, is like 10% to blame for his career tanking.

Quotas are the problem here... can anyone really believe that in sport you can have quotas.... sport is performance based... This whole situation is self inflicted because being a quota player will always be in the back of the sportsman or womans mind, knowing they are not fit for purpose, but have to actually strive beyond their own capabilities just to fit in. Think about this.... Ashwin would have needed to exceed himself just to keep his position.... not fair on him... and not fair on the team... not fair on the country.... and not even fair on the opponent you actually playing against.... SA Rugby is no longer a threat to play against, because the team is already mentally and physically disadvantaged....

It sounds like Nick called Ashwin a quota player? Where?

It couldve been worse with him walking out saying 'Jou ma se p.....'

Like your videos! Objectively speaking, you have to admit what Ash did was unprofessional. There might have been extenuating circumstances though. He had a bad day at the office, but unfortunately for him it happened on live TV. You could also argue that Naas and Nick was having a laugh at Ash's expense just before he walked off, which in itself could also be deemed unprofessional behavior on live TV. Either way, I agree. We shouldn't jump on the racial bandwagon, when incidents like this occur. Let wisdom guide your way, and not your hotheaded emotions.

Just my 2c on an individual issue - you mentioned around the 1:30 mark that perhaps Mallett might have made a disparaging remark towards Willemse as a so-called quota player off air. If that was the case then there is an entire production crew who will testify to the fact. In any case, it would be rather dumb, considering that I have been made aware from ex and current employees within the broadcaster, that white employees especially are under the microscope. There is more than one side to this story and I will be pleased when the truth finally comes out. Btw, I am pleased to have found your channel, I only lament that I found it as a result of a sombre event. Kind Regards.

Ashwin was the discussion leader, who was supposed to "manage ": the discussion. But Naas and Nick, jokingly, "instructed" Ashwin what to do. If he listened to them, then it would have been the coloured guy dancing to the music of the 2 white guys. Ashwin clearly found this humiliating and "patronising"

I enjoy watching Super Sport and their rugby analysis. They're ten times better than Fox Sports Australia and Sky Sport NZ, combined! They're very honest and neutral with analysis unlike NZ and Aussie and that's coming from a Kiwi living in OZ.

It is just extremely difficult for anyone to report on happenings if they do not have the full story.It is very clear that he was frustrated on events that transpired off set or in month or maybe years passed building up to his reaction. If you have not been affected by racism than you will unfortunately dont understand how we of color feel and have been affected by it. Its just so strange how we can give so much attention to small issues when the big issues in our land don't enjoy the same attention.

Well said!

I agree with you that this issue should not have been aired on live TV. However I have a quite a different view of the Quota system, which is far from ideal but I think SARU brought it upon themselves. My opinion comes from 1,000's of miles away and I am no expert on SAF. But IMO it has been clear that SARU has been dragging it's feet on this for decades. But rugby in SAF has a tarnished history of exclusivity, which I think needed some effort to reverse. QUOTAS, [a sensitive subject I usually avoid, a system clearly far from ideal]: Ten years on, 2005, SARU to govt "we need more time for non-white player development..." there were maybe half a dozen Black players to be seen each week in SAF Super Rugby, mostly warming the bench. One or two Spring Boks. 2010: "We need more time..." Threats from the Government, more promises from SARU. Little change in reality. 2015, 20 yrs later, about 3 non-whites per team Result: QUOTAS.... I know most non-whites prefer soccer but if SAF rugby sides reflected the population they would have 3/4 black players but they are 3/4 white (approx). For years SARU has has said they are investing in rugby development for young Blacks, yet a Rugby Academy for Blacks was only setup this year. THIS YEAR. If SARU were serious about this the academy would have happened decades ago. What did SARU think the Govt would do, give up?

just because the comments were not made on air does not mean that they were not made...give the guy some credit, he's know's airing it out on air would attract such attention and comment, and to take that action i think he was at the end of his tether that he finally took a stand...and said "no"....good on him for doing so. People and groups of people who have been marginalise, be-little etc should not stand for it and stand up and say "no", this is not ok....Ashwin did exactly that... Don't be concern with how it looks, be concerned with how it is.....

So who in the current team is the quota??

Great video :) If Nick Mallett did say something about quota players, more than likely he put his Big Foot in his Big Mouth. He maybe correct, but he just doesn't say it properly, without thinking it through and the Quota System needs to be removed. Now there is a mess in South African rugby that needs to be cleaned up and funded properly. The tier below Currie Cup and on to the school system (The government is suppose to support) for the younger talent coming through. You also need to spread what the idealism rugby represents (Togetherness, Support, Community, Brotherhood and Sisterhood) it needs to start at the school level going up(This is where the funding is needed the most). Sorry for changing the subject a bit, rugby needs a strong South Africa.

Mediocrity over meritocracy Gareth, it's sad for the sport and for the world in general. Imagine a world where people decide Usain Bolt can not run because his inner leg is 8" longer than everyone else and that gives him unfair advantage?

this is looking real suspect for Nick and Naas man...but i better go find some more info this is a real touchy subject man , thanks for the news G man

awesome commentary

you see unprofesionality when those who are discriminated start talking

Transformation makes way more sense then quota👌

No bud, this nonsense needs to come out in public. This is a conversation that should be held in the open, Apartheid was law and it was carried out publicly, the conversation regarding it and it's legacy should not be held behind closed doors.

🤣🤣🤣 the screenshot! Feel for your Gareth!!! And to think Ireland could be playing SA for a place in the Q/F of the World Cup next year!

gareth i think you should try and get yourself in conversation with the person that introduced quotas, i believe you can do it. i also believe that you can talk him into removing the system or even calming it down. we have all seen how your hard work has gotten you recognition from mmusi maimane and other people, now i think you should try and get in contact with someone at saru and bring your thoughts to them about the quota system

Quota works both ways. There has to be some regulation to prevent apartheid from continuing. Your conversation with yourself about Luke Watson and others has no essence. My question to you all involved is. Who caused the the quota system? Who caused a "Racial Card"? My view is that this was always going to happen some time. It would never have any impact if it happened "OFF AIR". It was clear that Naas and Nick had discussed the matter "OFF AIR" to undermine him "ON AIR". Naas had everything to do with it, and I think he started it. Ashwin was by no means the best at what he was doing, however he had good knowledge of the game. They wanted to expose him by letting him talk first. Ashwin got upset because he knew his weakness and obviously Nick and Naas knew. Naas and Nick discussed it "OFF AIR" and acted "ON AIR" . Ashwin, I think decided that he was not going down alone as they tried to expose him, so he attacked them "ON AIR" just as they tried to do to him "ON AIR" The three unprofessional: Ashwin Naas and Nick. Lady presenter the professional one. Now I wait to see who will be disciplined by SUPERSPORT.

whats the latest on Ashwin, Naas and Nick

I kinda expected your opinion to be on this track and I personally wouldn't expect you to understand the anger that comes with any form of racial discrimination. Ashwin's anger surfaced while he was on air, so whether the incident happened off or on air( as a matter of fact, I kind of expected you to look past those small smug comments that are always made by Naas and Nick on air) he had the right to air his frustration so that the whole country could see. By the way should all of this have happened behind close doors who said it would have received the appropriate attention. So as much as I respect your opinion I truly feel that at the end of the day we can't run away from the racial card that was inherited through the apartheid system, which will always show its dirty head like in this event. I'm curious though if I heard you correctly while trying to bring forth your argument on 'Quota' vs 'Transformation' which I think you were correct in saying the quota system was truly wrongly implemented if not entirely wrong itself, but was the 'Quota system' not meant to be a transformation tool? So how do you detach the two? If it wasn't, then what was the 'Quota System', and please don't get me wrong I was never a fan of it, I just want to understand your analogy. In the same breath and lastly I see you use an example of the Sharks union among others as being beneficiaries of this 'Transformation System' you believe took/ or is meant to take players from impoverished and dangerous backgrounds and introduce that to sport, care to share who you think these players are who came from this system and background? Please next time you comment on such issues make sure you understand all the dynamics and stop being 'angered' by issues of race when they surface in public, even if they happened behind close doors.

Willmse might have been frustrated of how they treated him ,could be that it came a long time on already. In my opinion,he was right for letting out on live TV. Props to him for not leking anyone's gat

What Ashwin did is unprofessional but clearly something happened off air that really upset him, where there is smoke there is a fire. I respect him for walking off calmly without bitch slapping both mallet and naas. Sad to see 3 legends tarnished over something that really could have been handled better.

They should have discuss this off camera. It would have been much more productive.

Lets be honest here, Ashwin Willemse may have been an adequate rugby player and may even have deserved his place in the Bok team, BUT he is a quota when it comes to being a media person and analyst. He does not speak well, his reasoning is often at fault and he comes across as being out of his depth. There is no way he would get the job he has on any other rugby show in any other country in the world so HE IS A QUOTA ON THIS SHOW, and that is probably why he has this huge chip on his shoulder, the poor boy suffers "imposter syndrome" (look it up), because deep down he must hate going on this show knowing he is making a fool of himself and that really knowledgeable rugby fans dismiss him and his opinion as irrelevant.

Oh and Luke Watson have been ready and has been overlooked because of his family. He didn’t say anything he was not supposed to say, why should people be quiet.

Couldn’t have said it better!

Good video. 👍🏼

I do not understand how Ashwin was being unprofessional, he clearly said his piece in a dignified, calm manner which out pulling Andre Visagie tendencies.

Production feeback, your intro music is too high and your mic is too low.... cheers.

Let's put it this way. When you play rugby and you misbehave badly you get sent off the field. Racism does not come into it. Likewise, when you present a TV show you also need to perform in a professional manner, as prescribed by SuperSport. It is SuperSport that needs to set the standard for code of conduct. If they cannot enforce it on their presenters then they should rather get into the entertainment industry, where people can freely express themselves. This matter is not about race, it is misbehaviour and now the whole country is involved in something that could have been resolved off air. SuperSport get your house in order and let's get back to the game.

Quota as a concept to bring balance or inclusivity is not an insult nor is it a bad thing but an instrument to make it a point that a limited or fixed number of....is considered as a matter of principle so it is incorrect for you to say "government directly decides who needs to play" that's not true. ...and by the way quota in a rugby context is used as an instrument to provide a guideline forcing those who hold power making decisions who should be on the field to do at least half of what is right... Lastly Ashwin must take pride in the system because without it the world wouldn't know much about him and he need to stop being a sissy and handle bullies decisively of-air!

I don't think this was the first time that Ashwin had this problem hence why he couldn't take it any more. What is worrying is the assumption that he was wrong for doing what he did despite not knowing what happened off air. South Africa has produced a lot of brilliant non-white sportsmen/women and they are always referred to as quota players by white people until they prove themselves as opposed to white players who are always seen as having made it on merit. Vernon Phillander is a much better player than Kyle Abbot yet Vernon is called a quota player for being played ahead of Abbot. Makhaya Ntini was considered a quota player when he first came into the side but he later became one of the top bowlers we ever produced. There is no "professional" way to handle racism towards any race/person, it must be exposed and uprooted in what ever setting it shows up in.

I Don't like Naas. He is too forceful in getting his point across. I dont think he is racist, yet, but he is just kind of rude at times which can be seen as racist easily. Nick Mallet has good points and good analysis so I hope he did not say anything racist because I can't imagine he would. Ashwin is awesome and I'm really sorry that he has felt disrespected, but yeah, on air wasn't the best option because it has incited more hate speech from people who are so focused on hating the other colour that all they see is fuel for their fire. Keep racism and quota out of rugby please. If south africa is worried about players of colour not getting picked, just watch super rugby, there are plenty of class players that cannot be ignored. That is progress, not forced, but nurtured. Watch how none of this matters when the springboks cross the line this June. There will be no racism in the crowds. That is rugby.

i think someone needs to explain to saru that the springboks need skill to be like the allblacks not literally black players, i mean this year we may aswell call them the 45% blacks with next year changing that to the half blacks

i hear you mate but my question to all of you guys is , are Black players only good to play wing or prop?

Hi G man I love rugby and it's hard to watch the video, but I think lance made a comment that was suppose to be a joke but Ashwin did not take it lightly my thoughts are that I think lance made a joke about it and Ashwin took it the wrong way, now this is my thoughts are there still people from both black.and white in club rugby are allowed to keep this type of nonsense going on, do you still have all white.clubs and are there black players that do not want to Play because of too many white players. I believe that this has been gone on too long, it's starts at the grass roots of rugby not international. I love the S.A. rugby team you are our rivals not Australia. I hope you guys sort out this issue love your videos mate. Ka ki te.

What actually happened; Presenter asks Ashwin for input- as usual Ashwin doesn't really have much to add apart from stating the obvious..he was lost for words ( something that Naas and Mallet don't experience ) mumbling and not being prepared- he then asks Naas for his opinion, hoping he takes the bait and Naas couldn't help himself..instead of Ashwin not taking himself so seriously.. he feels like a tit and pulls the race card, but in the back of his mind knowing fully well he's not a real analyst. It was a coward move! BUT he'll be praised for calling out a bunch of old white guys from the Springbok apartheid era. It is a case of feeling inferior when you're out of your depth. Ashwin made a mistake ;))) Ash for the new EFF leader.

Is it professional for the other commentators to talk down to another commentator ?

Its sad that Ashwin had to air his opinion live on air to expose those two idiots, albiet the wrong way but he obviously had it built up and finally reached boiling point. What was said behind the scenes might have just been a straw the broke the camel's back. Nobody knows for sure what goes on behind the scenes, obviously something feral was going on in the studio probably work bullying of some sort but that's just speculation

This is not unprofessional at all.. A white man can never truly understand what it’s like to fight for acceptance as a human being into society and not worrying about getting past the colour of your skin... When is enough is enough?? This is the perfect platform to raise awareness and get your attention cause believe me you will never be taken serious off air... So good on Willemse.. Don’t be bullied!!! Make a stance...

It does seem your mind is made up. We dont know what happened prior if anything was done to set him off. Ash should dealt with it off camera,that was wrong by him. We dont know if Nick & Naas hve been unprofessional before hand.

He must leave Supersport KLAAR!!!!

What?

Dude I think you should think about what you are saying ? Look at the top SA bowlers statistics in the history of SA cricket ? I think there is a lot of white quota players there . As you said , they are in the team but they are not ready !!your arguments reflects where you are

Would it be mean to say his head looks like a butternut squash...?

What????

Shame......feel for the Boks.

This whole video should have stopped at: " Something was said off air we dont know what it is and i cant comment unless i have the full story..."

think for ashwin to bring up apartheid was wrong, naas and mallett were a product of their upbringing much as ashwin was of his gang lifestyle. being a drug dealer back in the day id imagine ashwin ruined more lives than botha and mallett could ever possibly do. saying that if ashwin was a victim of quota talk etc he was right to speak out. south african rugby is farcical in the eyes of the world at the moment and this and your sports ministers input isnt doing anything to dispel that. rassie erasmus should have stayed with us in munster

im white with an indian wife and have had the curry comments made at me.....and I also snapped.

Good day Gareth Mason, Hope you doing well, anyway just to respond to your sentiments with regards to RSA Sports issue, you said profound comments until you got it all wrong about Quota System, maybe its the way you define it, but just to correct you my friend Quota was never introduced to give opportunities to underdeveloped or not ready black athletes into RSA sports, it was never about that, sorry my friend you got it all wrong, the idea was to force transfortation because white south africans never wanted and give equal opportunities to black athlertes regardless wether they are talented than white athletes. they were not given opportunities because of the color of their skin. Quota was introduced to speed up transfomation and rectify racist decesions against black athletes.

Government must stay out of sport, period.

No Ashwin was right by what he did these issues must be made known and addressed in public

It’s amazing how the opportunist wants to blame the quota system. Fact of the matter if the quota system was not introduced the players of colour would not have had these handful of opportunities they got and still getting. Why is it that private schools in our country schools like Bishops, Herschell, St. Andrews are still all white dominated? It is all about protecting white privilege and lots of proxies are used to try and convince us otherwise. The fact of the matter is by now there should not be any place for quotas as the teams should have been dominated by blacks but unfortunately the recalcitrance by the whites and those in power are doing their utmost to protect white privilege including Supersport and SA rugby. Quotas should not only be maintained but it should be increased across all levels to 80% black representation minimum at all times. These last bastions of apartheid and the sense of entitlement must be destroyed as a matter of urgency. Read Peter De Villiers book politically incorrect and you will understand what it’s about. The coup de grace in that matter is that SA rugby mentioned in that book including Nick Mallet by the way has never ever tackled Peter about the content of the book. Its quite easy to understand why that is so.

STICKS AND STONES HARDEN UP SA MAYBE U WIN SOME RUGBY

I think honestly if you haven't been the victim of racism, you really should not comment. I heard when Mallet referred to Ashwin as a quota player. And as many people have said that it was not just this one incident. If Mallet can undermine and almost shame Willemse on air, why can't Willemse do the same in response? Don't try and whitewash this and paint it as Willemse being dramatic, seeking attention etc. You really should rather not comment. And i am against the quota system and affirmative action and so are many black people.

If rugby unions took transformation more seriously the would not be a need for the quota system

Ashwin Martelgat

Just a minor correction, the minister of sport is a female.

Ashwin was a great player but out of his league commentating.

It is not just rugby is it right across sport except of course for soccer where there are few if any white players. White people in South Africa need to come to the realisation that they are the minority. It will not be long until whites will be the minority in each sport team. My sister's Grade 9 (black) child plays hockey for an Afrikaans school. He is the one Black child and there are 2 coloured players. The rest are white. They played a previous model C school. The entire team was black but the coach was white. The quality of the play was equal.There were no incidents no bad mouthing it was a normal hockey game between 2 schools. There are no white children in this former Model C school of over 800 children but the sports being played are rugby, cricket, Netball, tennis, athletics etc etc. The minority group best look for alternative avenues for their talented sports children to play their sport. There will be very few places for them in national teams in ten years time . It is simply a re balancing of the scales. On average per 10 it will be 2 - 3 white to 7 - 8 black. White sports persons will have to be amazing to get a place in a national team. There is a crop of very talented and well trained and experienced black young sports people coming through from Previous Model C Schools, and they will not be obtaining their places in national teams because of quotas. You just have to look at what is happening in our Olympic, rugby and cricket teams. Multiply that by 2 or 3 over the next 10 years . The minority in this country needs to pull their head out of the sand. The tide has turned.

I think ashwin let himself down by walking off set - thats not how u deal with problems - u could have used other avenues - we all have jobs and would never dream of doing that - although i dont know the whole story but dont use the race card to get sympathy - eish ja no confidence

Mxm

Asswin Willemse must pay for his crimes

Gareth. You are doing the opposite of what you are saying. None of us know what happened as u mentioned. I agree the minister jumped the gun with his racial comment. That is just the ANC trying to be relevant as usual. U too are jumping the gun, by asking Ashwin to apologise. You should have waited for the real reason why he did it. A real qouta/window dressing Springbok player was Errol Tobias. The game has to transform whether you like it or not. You mentioned black/coloured players of more than three years ago that deserved their places in the first teams and Springbok teams. 90 to 95% of those players then were at private or model C schools. Let me tell you boet. You must see the talent at township black/coloured club and school games. You do not and will never find scouts at those games. I asked 2 scouts one time why they don't go to those games. Their answers were that they used to, but Provinces don't want to listen or give them a hearing if they come with township talent. They concentrate on mostly private schools. Let's wait for the real reason why Ashwin did what he did. Notice that I have not mentioned the other gentlemen, because we should not be judging before we know the facts. Looking forward to hearing from you after the facts.

If you do not know what is true, why do you have a defensive stance on the ones accused of racism and a doubtfull stance on the plaintiff? I watched and listened to this video and all I could hear is whitesplaining on why teams which were formed under apartheid regime were stronger than teams which embrace inclusion. Inclusive teams, include players (presumably of colour) which are not good enough. isn't that apartheid reasoning? Dint apartheid segregate "others" because they were not "as good as whites" and it was argued they will slow white progress down or lower white standards thus justifying their segregation? Meanwhile, denying the "others" resources to better themselves both socially (by enforcing language) academically (by spending less money per "colored" child comparatively to a white child in academia) and physically (by denying "coloreds" resources to better their perfomance in sports). Knowing this went on for hundreds of years why would you argue that merit should play a part in team selection now while it has never played a part historically? A fair south Africa is not as good as Australia in cricket or New Zealand in Rugby. A fair south Africa is as good as the colored players because until those players are availed resources to better play their chosen sport, Apartheid is still winning, for Apartheid to be fully killed, teams should be inclusive and standards have to be risen in the colored neighborhoods. As for the commentators if they played during the sefregation period I can predict their psychological reasoning infront of a colored man. Sometimes it is not even what they said but body language, tone in conversation, and even facial expressions all play into racial expression but obviously they can deny it for racism is invincible but it has consequences.

I'm sorry to say that you are misinformed by your white privilege Garth. According to you it's 'embarrassing' that a person of colour voices their experience of being on the receiving end of white privelege. You need to introspect.

You are talking Nonsense

Sorry I'm in a wrong channel lots of racism here

The Minister of Sport is a woman you jerk...5:02

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