It is indeed unfortunate, that in 2007, close to 14 years after our first democratic elections, and the birth of an open and free democracy, that there are some sports that have not transformed at all, and more direct intervention is required particularly with regard to transformation of administration.

 

The independent Democrats would like to draw the attention of this house and in particular the Minister of sports and Recreation to a very serious matter where a sport, because of inadequate leadership is killing and injuring innocent South African sports lovers.

 

Hon Minister, the South African Rugby Union is failing in its task to create a safe and protective environment for its rugby players. With the rugby season only a few weeks old, one person has already lost his life and eight others have been admitted to hospitals around the country with severe spinal cord injuries, probably confining them to the wheelchairs for the rest of their lives. Last year’s season saw four fatalities and another 19 ruinous and catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

 

Hon Minister, The South African Rugby Union should be investigated for negligence relating to its possible failure to protect the lives of its players. If Saru was operating in the business arena and so many of its employees were being killed and injured, it would lead to an investigation by the Department of Labour and a public outcry

 

. The situation is dire, Hon Minister and honourable members, and something needs to be done about it immediately. I have written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee requesting that he look at this issue as well as the possibility of holding public hearings into this matter.

 

By way of comparison, Hon members, when prevention programmes introduced into Ragby playing nations such as Australia and New Zealand, the fatality and injury rates were zero. Despite numerous initiatives by organizations such as the Quad-Para Association of South Africa to lobby Saru to begin programs of prevention, it seems Saru has failed to recognise the seriousness of the problem. It for this season that the QuadPara Association of South Africa has announced that it would be interrupting an international rugby match sometime within the next six weeks. The time has come to stop the softly softly talking to the South African Rugby Union. Action is required. Action is required now. Action is required to stop the killing and injuries. If the South African Rugby Union refuses to listen, then it is up to the government and the public to step in and make their voices heard.

Released by Vincent Gore - 083 631 6681