Div to explain 'racist comment'

2008-09-10 22:54

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has to explain his controversial statement that he feels inclined to "walk away from this job and give it back to the whites" to the management committee of the SA Rugby Union (Saru) on Thursday.

Dawie Groenewald, president of the Griquas Rugby Union and a member of the Saru management committee, confirmed upon enquiry on Wednesday that De Villiers's utterances will be on the agenda at Thursday's meeting in the Mother City.

"This item relates to his pronouncements, like the one you've mentioned, that could be an indication of racism," Groenewald said.

"We would have liked him to attend the meeting, but apparently it isn't possible and he will be in telephonic discussion with us."

The Sunday Times reported at the weekend that De Villiers "threatened" to "give (the job) back to the whites". This followed allegations in the media on Saturday that he was being blackmailed with a "sex video".

Saru and De Villiers vehemently denied the allegations.

"I have two daughters, one is in matric, and people will stop them and ask them (about the allegations), and that's why I think I should walk away from this job and give it back to the whites," De Villiers apparently said.

Sensitive matter

Another member of Saru's management committee, Hein Mentz, has confirmed that the utterance is on the agenda.

"We are sensitive about matters relating to transformation and such pronouncements. The question is whether De Villiers was correctly quoted. It's a sensitive matter that we have to address," said Mentz.

Mentz said he is one several rugby officials who want to get clarity on De Villiers's alleged statement.

There has, as yet, been no mention of possible disciplinary steps.

Asked about it on Wednesday, De Villiers himself would not clarify the context or accuracy of the alleged statement.

"I will not speak to you about anything. I will never speak to you again. If you ask me something at a news conference I will just keep quiet," said De Villiers.

"You are a dishonourable person and have no integrity," De Villiers told the reporter from Die Burger.

- Die Burger