Share

Mbalula responds to Matthew Theunissen's racist tirade

Cape Town - Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, noted with dismay the racist remarks made by Matthew Theunissen directed at government and the people it serves following the release of the EPG Transformation Report. 

In a release issued on Wednesday by the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa, Mbalula said people like Theunissen have no place in our society and must be isolated as they take us backwards reminding us of our painful past. Our national imperative is to transform and make sport inclusive, fair and equitable. 

“The EPG Transformation Report recognises that the playing field in sport is unequal. This recognition is what some of our white people must understand. Levelling the playing field is not a racist and divisive exercise rather one that integrates society,” Mbalula said. 

Following the EPG Transformation Report, the Ministry and Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa received messages of support for its transformation drive.

Mbalula noted these messages and thanked all conscious South Africans who are fully aware of the inequalities that exist in sport and the task at hand to address and eradicate them. 

“What we cannot undo however are racist people who believe one race is superior to the other. We owe no explanation to people like Matthew who have no national interest at heart but are blinded by privilege thinking that some of our sporting codes are an exclusive property of a certain race in our society. Our white compatriots and the majority in our country believe in and accepts the need for transformation as a process to bring about unity and social cohesion which are fundamental pillars of the constitutional principles of redress and equity. Racists are but a small fascist minority to which we refuse to be distracted by their words and deeds in fulfilling our historic mission of building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society,” Mbalula ended. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE