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Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie weighing in on the proposed SA Rugby equity deal vote was not political interference but an act of sincerity, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane highlights McKenzie’s appeal to SARU president Mark Alexander on Wednesday to delay the vote on the sporting governing body’s proposed equity deal.
McKenzie, contacted by seven provincial unions, emphasised the need for clarity and calm to resolve their concerns regarding the commercial rights of the Springboks. Keohane points out that this a genuine attempt to find a solution and avoid deepening the division between SARU and its 14 provincial members.
The leadership of SARU, led by CEO Rian Oberholzer, initially rejected the postponement, but McKenzie’s intervention prompted Alexander and Oberholzer to reconsider Thursday’s vote.
In response, the seven unions agreed to further discussions, marking a rare display of unity in a historically divided rugby landscape.
“Gayton McKenzie’s plea to SA Rugby president Mark Alexander to postpone Thursday’s vote on the proposed SA Rugby equity deal, with a big emphasis on the commercial rights of the Springboks, was not political interference but an act of sincerity based on finding a solution and not adding to the standoff between the sport’s national custodian and its affiliate 14 provincial members,” Keohane writes.
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“South African rugby has a history of ‘divide and rule’ when it comes to the national governing body and the 14 provincial unions.”
Keohane notes that McKenzie’s intervention, focused on clear debate and respect for all voices, showcased a maturity that mirrored the Boks’ Rugby World Cup successes. Despite criticism during his first 100 days in office, he believes McKenzie’s role in facilitating this crucial ceasefire is seen as a significant achievement for South African rugby.
“McKenzie demanded nothing, made no government threats and made it clear he had no rights to interfere, given World Rugby’s position on political interference,” he writes.
“Whatever one’s view on McKenzie’s first 100 days in office, his act of getting every powerbroker within South Africa to put their weapons down and debate with clarity and conscience and conviction for the greater good of South African rugby when it comes an equity deal is his most significant act as a minister whose portfolio includes sport.”
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