Concerned citizens meet in PE about the status-quo of sport

By Abe Williams

Transformation in sports such as Rugby, Cricket, Athletics, Swim, Soccer and Tennis have been on the discussion table for many years since unification of sports in South Africa. There is certainly many views around this topic. As unrelenting as this might sound, a solution is needed as this won’t go away by itself. Intervention is needed and perhaps a meeting like this is needed in moving forward and come up with a solution.

The process of transformation was left in the hands of those running respective Sports Governing bodies and have till now been fairly unchallenged by the citizens. At times, the media soled us an ideology that the face of sport have changed and carry the best wishes of the whole sports fraternity of the Republic. Is that entirely true?

That will be one of the discussion points when a group of people will meet in Port Elizabeth this coming weekend to assess progress made in sport since 1994. According to, Mr Alec Hitzeroth, there is an increase of citizens genuinely concerned regarding non-compliance transformation and the purpose of this gathering is to have a formal sit down and discuss and decide the way forward.

He could not confirm if this would mean the re-institution of an organisation such as the South African Counsel On Sports(SACOS), but rather said that the outcome of the meeting would determine the way forward. He did mention that such views such as the re-institution of SACOS have been put forward but said he hope that deliberations will be aggressive and fruitful with a clear view going forward.

SACOS was a non-racial sports organisation that operated between 1982 till 1992 and took a strong stance against racism and inequalities in sport. SACOS were mandated by their slogan that said ‘No normal sport in an abnormal society’ and had strong support both locally and internationally. It was known to be a voice for those whose sports aspirations was oppressed resulting in non-representation in national teams by non-white sportsmen and women. SACOS challenged these policies publicly and change was effected as a result. SACOS was marginalised in 1992.

Whether the input and involvement of an organisation is still needed 20years into democracy is an open question and some will debate and oppose this. However with the lack progress some intervention might be necessary just to make dissatisfaction known to the hierarchy. However, nothing is set and done and time will tell.

The meeting will take place at 10am on Saturday morning, 13 December 2014, at the old Dower College Auditorium in Port Elizabeth, West End. Those interested to attend can contact either Richard Pullen(0825642649) or Alec Hitzeroth(0795204510, email alex.hitzeroth@dpw.ecape.gov.za or ajh.redflame@gmail.com ) for further enquiries.