COSATU notes with concern that the rugby game between the Springboks and New Zealand will not be shown to all South Africans this Saturday, 7 September 2024. This is a sad day for working class families and a sad indictment to the Government of National Unity. This represents a failure of public policy to respond to public priority issues that foster national unity .
The Minister of Sport Gayton Mkenzie has just presented a gimmick around last Saturday’s match, and it is a real begging bowl approach to those who benefit and control South African sports. We are aware that it costs money but confirm that it was done before. The Ministry does not appear to be able to deal with the complexities of the Competition Commission ruling that led to the match not being shown.
COSATU demands that the match on Saturday be aired live on SABC or at least be flighted 30 minutes later which would not cost any money or undermine Super Sport’s rights. Cosatu is willing to assist in getting the previous arrangement where matches were shown at least 30 minutes after the game.
This is indeed a sad day for our country and our working class families, who cannot afford DSTV. It again shows that greed for money is put ahead of the interest of all South Africans and that politicians regardless of party bow at the altar of greed .
If the Government of National Unity is to represent the future of all South Africans, then it must ensure that all South Africans benefit.
Cosatu Western Cape calls on the government, in particular President Cyril Ramaphosa, to urgently intervene in this crisis to ensure that at least the games that the Springboks are playing are broadcast live on SABC.
Furthermore, we call on the Minister to bring together the various role players and ensure that the crisis in sport is resolved and the games broadcast.
For questions, please call
Malvern De Bruyn on 060 977 9027
Tony Ehrenreich on 082 773 3194