Andile Sdinile
Andile Sdinile
The scratching of the surface on issues of transformation in South Africa has led to many problems we are facing today.
In all spheres and aspects of life, I honestly do not believe we dealt in depth with issues when we were addressing transformation.
The organs of state and the institution is still the same as was the case during apartheid. We do, I agree, have people tasked to transform these institutions to conform to the current political dispensation. As the old saying goes: "we changed the picture, but the frame is still the same".
I am still convinced that sport and politics cannot be separated. Some people say so when it is convenient for them.
The reason South African sporting people in general participate in the world sporting arena today is because of the country's political achievements through a political movement.
The argument that sport and politics should be separated is from people who never even once played oppressed sport (played under extremely difficult circumstances because of political prejudice and segregation).
A lot of sporting codes, particularly boxing, were used to window dress the social status of apartheid.
The SABC moved heaven and earth just to broadcast live "international" tournaments featuring a white South African and any other opponent from overseas. As the years went by, the Friday night broadcasts ventured into the townships.
These were attempts by the SABC and the then SA Boxing Board of Control to be anti-sanctions.
South African boxing has a history of being sanction busters - period. The very people who supported this reactionary agenda are still running the show - so much for transformation.
For as long as the following aspects and points are not addressed by the current board and licensees, boxing here will not thrive.
Dingaan Thobela, Vuyani Bungu, Jacob Matlala, Mbulelo Botile and others were engaged in counter-revolutionary activities.
They went overseas, just to show a "black face" to pretend that everything back home was fine - but they succeeded against all odds. The sooner matters are rectified and addressed, the better for the image of the sport.
(Andile Sdinile is an ardent boxing follower who used to promote bouts under the banner of Imonti Promotions in East London)
No real change in boxing
Andile Sdinile
Andile Sdinile
The scratching of the surface on issues of transformation in South Africa has led to many problems we are facing today.
In all spheres and aspects of life, I honestly do not believe we dealt in depth with issues when we were addressing transformation.
The organs of state and the institution is still the same as was the case during apartheid. We do, I agree, have people tasked to transform these institutions to conform to the current political dispensation. As the old saying goes: "we changed the picture, but the frame is still the same".
I am still convinced that sport and politics cannot be separated. Some people say so when it is convenient for them.
The reason South African sporting people in general participate in the world sporting arena today is because of the country's political achievements through a political movement.
The argument that sport and politics should be separated is from people who never even once played oppressed sport (played under extremely difficult circumstances because of political prejudice and segregation).
A lot of sporting codes, particularly boxing, were used to window dress the social status of apartheid.
The SABC moved heaven and earth just to broadcast live "international" tournaments featuring a white South African and any other opponent from overseas. As the years went by, the Friday night broadcasts ventured into the townships.
These were attempts by the SABC and the then SA Boxing Board of Control to be anti-sanctions.
South African boxing has a history of being sanction busters - period. The very people who supported this reactionary agenda are still running the show - so much for transformation.
For as long as the following aspects and points are not addressed by the current board and licensees, boxing here will not thrive.
Dingaan Thobela, Vuyani Bungu, Jacob Matlala, Mbulelo Botile and others were engaged in counter-revolutionary activities.
They went overseas, just to show a "black face" to pretend that everything back home was fine - but they succeeded against all odds. The sooner matters are rectified and addressed, the better for the image of the sport.
(Andile Sdinile is an ardent boxing follower who used to promote bouts under the banner of Imonti Promotions in East London)
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos