Comments attributed to Kolisi in the media indicates that he said quotas in South African sport are a necessary tool of transformation. He reportedly also voiced opposition to racially-based quotas in sport, saying former President Nelson Mandela would not have supported such a system.
“Transformation in our country has to happen. Quotas in un-transforming sport codes, especially rugby at national level, are a way of enforcing it. If some sectors resist being part of the new South Africa, as seen in some sporting codes such as rugby and cricket at national level, then the committee supports the use of the quota system. This has no bearing on competence,” Dlulane said in a statement on Wednesday.
Dlulane said the view attributed to Kolisi is unfortunate, and cautioned against sport personalities commenting on race issues.
“Their opinions might be interpreted as being insensitive to the realities of our country. South Africa is a diverse nation. Transformation is government policy and will remain so for as long as necessary,” the committee chairperson said.
Meanwhile TheSouthAfrican.com reports that Kolis isn’t the first sporting figure to cause controversy this way. He joins an infamous group of people – all superstars of sport in Mzansi and overseas – who have gone public with their transformation woes and drawn the ire of the public.
These include The former Springboks coach Jake White, All Black coach Steve Hansen, former Blue Bulls player Derick Hougaard and former batsman for the Proteas Greame Pollock. Read the report here (https://www.thesouthafrican.com/siya-kolisi-transformation-quotes-others/)
