Mulder: Don't interfere in sport

2008-12-01 17:31

Pretoria - Politics should not form part of the sporting arena, Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) leader Pieter Mulder said on Monday.

"Leave sport to the administrators. It is not [the politicians'] job to interfere in sport," said Mulder, who was speaking in Pretoria.

Mulder was referring to politicians including Sport Minister Makhenkesi Stofile.

Mulder handed over a petition signed by about 10 000 people who do not want the Springbok emblem on the national blazer replaced with the King protea.

"We believe the South African public was never consulted about the emblem. The emblem is a symbol of unity, not division," he said.

Last month it was revealed that the King protea would in future be worn on the left hand side of the national rugby team's playing jersey though the Springbok emblem could still be used.

Mulder added that government should instead focus on developing the sport.

A copy of the petition can be found on the party's website, www.vryheidsfront.co.za.

"The petition was handed over to the department to mark Springbok day today [Monday]," said Mulder, adding that his party would give the department time to reply to the petition.

- SAPA