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Back in June this year, I wrote an article titled “Do white South Africans hate local soccer?” Little did I know that Essop Pahad would be castigated for expressing the same sentiment, but in a different way.

The responses to the above-mentioned article argued passionately that the situation was more complicated and probably complex that the question I put forth. Personally, I don’t think I have ever been in a position to argue whether what I write is true.

So here goes Pahad, right in the middle of the 2008 Olympics, and he claims that “some” white South Africans do not want to see the 2010 World Cup succeed.

Many responses have been expressed on the matter, from the UDM (United Democratic Movement) in the form of Bantu Holomisa to the Afrikanerbond, which has laid a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission.

Is there any scientific evidence to support Pahad’s claims? I don’t know.

But I do suggest that it would be better for the matter to be investigated deeper, rather than dismissed for political masquerading.

Why? I have my suspicions, and that is what they remain: suspicions.

On the other hand, I’m delighted that opposition political parties are finally taking a stand to tell the world that they believe in the success of 2010. In my opinion, this message should have been sent out a long time ago, at least to the betterment of our general society.

But that was not to be the case. Instead, we had websites and opinions like Southafricasucks, some “pickled bushman” and some “Stop the 2010 world cup” petitions flourishing all over.

Tell you what, I did not mention “coconuts”. I think JQ has already driven the point home.

Truth be told, the majority of respondents in all those forums didn’t seem like black South Africans. I could be wrong, but I doubt it!

Now here’s my opinion: instead of taking Pahad to the increasingly politicised SAHRC, let us all face our demons while we gear up for a successful 2010 World Cup tournament.




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3 Responses to “Essop Pahad: Hero or villain?”

The truth is no one knows what Pahad is doing in Goverment apart from the fact that he assaulted a few Trotskyist members in the UK on the request from President Mbeki. The man has no brain of his own, so treat him like the ventrologist puppet….his words comes from his master!

(Report abuse)

Winnie on August 25th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

In my book a villain. How do comments like those of Pahad help? Yes, some whites want 2010 to fail, but the majority will support/watch our national side when it comes to the 2010. Marketing hype, world cup fever and a sense of patriotism will ensure that.

I don’t watch local soccer because the product/quality is crap (although Super Sport has done a lot for the TV product). I will much rather sit at home and watch premier league soccer, until the PSL can give me some incentives to watch or attend local PSL games. I watch rugby and cricket because the product and quality of our local teams are comparable to top international standards.
What is wrong with supporting Manchester United when they come to SA to play local teams, if you support them every weekend on television and spend money on merchandise? Why shouldn’t I support them just because they are playing local teams? Although, as a Liverpool supporter I would much rather see them lose…(I think it is safe to assume most people wearing and supporting Man U at the games in SA are real fans and not just “local soccer haters” and counter revolutionaries/racist or whatever the Pahad ilk would call them) Man U is an international brand and enjoys international support. The same thing happens in Thailand, China and America when Man U visits those countries.

I would also be a hypocrite if I did not admit that “traditional sporting culture” plays a role in it. But allow me to be a devil’s advocate. Why don’t the PSL and SAFA to more to promote soccer across the cultural spectrum. I personally would have rather played soccer at school if it was available, but had to settle on hockey. After all a lot of our politicians connect transformation/development with support/attendance at rugby games/cricket games. So what has SAFA done to promote soccer in for instance traditional Afrikaans schools or develop Schalk Burger soccer icons among the “rugby/cricket crazy whites”?

The bottom line is whites supporting Man U against Chiefs/Pirates has nothing to do with them wanting 2010 to fail.

(Report abuse)

HD on August 25th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

I am happy to have a geat soccer team in SA and at the same time I hate that I have to either blindly support a tournament that I believe we arn’t ready for or be branded a traitor!

Not just unfair, racist: My (carefully considered) opinion would be the same if my skin was green!

(Report abuse)

Kim Mobey on August 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am

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“…one of (the) most prolific and controversial writers… his views have elicited scores of letters… strength in Setumo’s writing is that he is able to initiate new issues or cast a fresh light on existing ones.” – Peter Malherbe (Editor – Reporter.co.za)
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