THE South African Rugby Union has distanced itself from Tuesday night's embarrassment where rock singer Ard Matthews butchered the national anthem.
Matthews stumbled over his words during the singing of the national anthem Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika at SuperSport's offices to announce the Springbok squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The drama reminded some South Africans of Ras Dumisani, who also made a name for himself messing up the national anthem in 2009 when the Springboks played in France.
Saru president Oregan Hoskins wrote to Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula to express their disappointment.
"Please be informed that the function held at SuperSport is organised by SuperSport and not rugby. I indicated my extreme displeasure about the singing of the national anthem, which was a disgrace."
Matthews and the pay TV channel have also apologised.
"I've sung it my whole life and was overcome with emotion. It wasn't intentional. I support everything about this whole country," the singer said. "This was the worst moment of my life."
Saru pans anthem disaster
THE South African Rugby Union has distanced itself from Tuesday night's embarrassment where rock singer Ard Matthews butchered the national anthem.
Matthews stumbled over his words during the singing of the national anthem Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika at SuperSport's offices to announce the Springbok squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The drama reminded some South Africans of Ras Dumisani, who also made a name for himself messing up the national anthem in 2009 when the Springboks played in France.
Saru president Oregan Hoskins wrote to Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula to express their disappointment.
"Please be informed that the function held at SuperSport is organised by SuperSport and not rugby. I indicated my extreme displeasure about the singing of the national anthem, which was a disgrace."
Matthews and the pay TV channel have also apologised.
"I've sung it my whole life and was overcome with emotion. It wasn't intentional. I support everything about this whole country," the singer said. "This was the worst moment of my life."
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