Saru slammed over Beast issue
Makhenkesi Stofile’s Sports Ministry has accused Saru of poor administration regarding their handling of Beast Mtawarira’s eligibility.
On the weekend news broke that the Zimbabwe-born Mtawarira was in danger of missing the year-end tour if the Sports Ministry weren’t satisfied with the reasons that a foreign national had been selected for the Springboks. Mtawarira has played 19 Tests and toured with the Boks to Britain last year, as well as Australasia this year and in 2008.
Saru asked Stofile to help expedite Mtawarira’s South African citizenship – and while the prop will start Friday’s Test against France – Stofile slammed this move.
‘This request to have the Minister use his position to have the process of securing permanent residence and subsequently, citizenship expedited ahead of the year end tour in Europe, has exposed our sport administrators’ clear disrespect or lack of understanding of our laws,’ the ministry said in a statement.
‘Talented as he is, Tendai, like all foreign nationals plying their trade in South Africa, is bound by the laws of this country. The migration laws of our country are clear on issues relating to permanent residence and citizenship. We expect our sport administrators to understand and respect legislation that regulate their business. None of the athletes, sport codes, or federations can be bigger than the country.’
The Sports Ministry also questioned whether Mtawarira is that much better than other looseheads in the country to gain the special treatment that allowed him to tour.
‘While Tendai is a live wire on the field of play, the question is whether it is, in the first place, justifiable to say he has scarce skills – the rationale that would have enabled him to obtain the current work permit. If we go the route our rugby administrators are requesting us to take, and facilitate the fast-tracking of Tendai’s citizenship, what would this say to all rugby players in our country? We cannot as a government department responsible for sport and recreation in this country, afford to insult our players like this,’ added the statement.
Mtawarira debuted for the Boks in 2008 after completing his three-year residency.
‘The principle here is clear: Only citizens of our country can play for our National team, irrespective of the sport code. Therefore, no foreign national can play for any of our national teams, no matter how outstanding they may be. If any player in any code is to become a South African citizen, this has to be done within the legal framework of our country.
‘Federations, provinces and clubs, are more than welcome to approach us for advice on similar issues, instead of trying to slip a player through the legal framework.’
Saru responded by saying they would not comment on the Sport Ministry’s statements.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
#45 Hondo: and of course in your esteemed opinion he carried no fatigue from playing Rugby since 14 February right through to the Semis and the fact that he went into the CC semi under the cloud of injury is only a minor fact obviously
November 12th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Can you believe this sh*t?
November 12th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
#47 Sharksgirl: exactly
November 12th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
#46 David:
What about Doug Fluty and several Polynesian back added last 2 years to England team?
November 12th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Ricky Flutey.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
#50 Hondo:
I think Fluty qualified on residence, as did Vainikolo (sp?). What other Polynesians were there?
I’ve got no idea whether they’re also citizens.
I was replying though, to the question of how the Welsh, Scots and English are treated.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
#47 Sharksgirl:
You got thet the facts right dear girl
He is a lazy type of player with bursts of brilliance, he was released from the Bulls in 2004 for these very reason: poor defence.
The Sharks did far better with Strauss and Swanepeol as a combo
Addi’d arrival – coupled with Ndungane and Pietersen – in the CC signalled an end to a strong defence
November 12th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
This is pathetic!
The Sports Ministry are using this as an opportunity to have a public go at SARU.
Of course they could help speed up the process to help Beast gain citizenship. Instead they reply and pretend to be outraged at the request..? I’m willing to put money on the fact that half of those buggers in the Sports Ministry are corrupt anyway! A genuine and unusual request like this should be honoured for the sake of Springbok rugby without question.
What do you think happens in America with all of their foreign sportsman who need Green Cards. Do you think they sit in the queue like everyone else? Of course they bloody don’t! They are treated as high profile and high priority and pushed through.
When David Beckham decides to move to America and play for Galaxy do you think he sits in the queue like everyone else? Of course not!
November 12th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
#52 David:
he lives in this country legally like my Bulawyo born maid, he travels to countries with tight immigration control like NZ and Aus without any issues
I believe the new guy on England bench is not ‘British’, Moeney is a Nigirian like Ubugo and Steve Ojumo who played for England in the 1990s, and what made Stuart Abbot and Matt Stevense ‘British’ suddenly
November 12th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
#54 Yetirat:
That what I said from the minute go: a publicity stunt to attract public attention by someone no one knows his name,
I wouldn’t be surprised if it got something to do with the lost Super 15 bid of a black team, the timing seems right
November 12th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
#51 TheTackler:
Ya, Dough Fluty is a NFL Football QB, I got mixed up
November 12th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
#55 Hondo:
Abbot and Stevens qualified with british grandparents, I think, as will Barritt. The fact that IRB rules are independent of a countries nationalisation rules, stems I think, from the days when England pushed Zola Budds citizenship through in record time to allow her to run for England.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
He is a Zimbabwean.
We all know what us South Africans did to Zimbabweans last year. We set them alight, and macheted them.
South Africa is the right up there in the xenophobia stakes.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
All I want to know is why this is only becoming an issue now? Beast has toured plenty since becoming a Bok?
Now if they drop Beast for Wian – will there be pressure as they dropped a black oke for a white oke???
Political catch 22…..
November 12th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I challenge anyone, in particular the ministry of sport and recreaction, to show me the South African legislation that states:
“Only citizens of our country can play for our National team, irrespective of the sport code. Therefore, no foreign national can play for any of our national teams..” or words to that effect.
This is nothing more than a pre-emptive strike on the part of the ministry for what is to follow in due course…
November 12th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Why are the papers not making the point that it must be extremely embarrassing for the Sports Ministry to only now realize that Beast’s inclusion is against the law. Why is no one asking the minister why they only realized now? And while they’re at it, ask the minister why Bafana still has the Protea on the right hand side of the jersey, something the Springbok was almost taken away for. And then ask Stofile why he’s such a racist.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
#61 tsiko:
I think this may be it, as part of the National Sports and Recreation Act.
Nationality
13(9) National colours will only be considered for sportsmen and
sportswomen who can submit proof that they are South African nationals, i.e.
they must be in possession of a valid South African passport. Athletes with
South African resident permits only are not eligible. This rule does not apply
to managers and coaches.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Beast was eligible to play for the Boks on the back of the fact that he has been resident in SA for more than 3 years consecutively. There is no requirement from the IRB that he have permanent residence status. The grey area falls on whether he was legally resident in the country, which he was as he has a valid work permit.
From my understanding of Stofile’s release (which is fair and justified), they are saying that the IRB criteria don’t necessarily match the Minister of Sports criteria for eligibility?
November 12th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
#63 David:
That about sums it up. The IRB don’t have an issue with Beast’s eligibility. It’s South Africa who have an issue with his eligibility for gaining Bok colours in the first instance.
Which begs the question – How on earth did he get to 19 caps in the first place? Did the ministry just accept that Saru were fielding a player with SA citizenship? SARU have really bungled this one and to be honest, Stofile is right. The law of the land applies equally to all (please no comments on that statement that don’t relate to rugby).
November 12th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
#63 David: David, the Sports and Recreation Act 110 of 1998 doesn’t have a section 13(9). It only goes to 13(8)
November 12th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
#65 Vetkoek:
I think the IRB has set this down as ‘their” minimum requirements to avoid the Zola Budd situation, where the UK government fast tracked her citizenship. The IRB can’t dictate a countries citizenship rules, but it can state its’ own requirements.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
#66 tsiko:
2007.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Indeed, as amended by the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Act 18 of 2007.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
It appears to me as if their problem is with section 6: National federations
(3) National federations must-
(a) before recruiting a foreign sport person to participate in sport in the Republic, satisfy themselves that there are no other persons in the Republic suitable to participate in such a sport;
and (c) advise the Minister in writing of the full names and countries of origin of all such persons recruited for such purposes and confirm that there are no other suitable persons in the Republic as contemplated in paragraph (a); and
(d) ensure that the recruitment conforms to the guidelines issued by the Minister in terms of section 13A.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
#66 tsiko:
My apologies, this was one of the conditions imposed on the National Colours Board.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
TO clarify my posts under # 61 & 66 above, it is The Sports and Recreation Act 110 of 1998 as amended by the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Act 18 of 2007.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Quite right. That is why Beast can’t be forced to withdraw.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
OK. Simple question really.
Given the Beast has ripped not only into the front row of the Lions touring side, but many other National Test sides too (Aus, NZ, England etc.), and all for the glory of South Africa; where on earth will we stand if his citizenship should be denied now?
What the hell was he doing on the field without one?
What passport was he traveling on?
How stupid are we?
What will the history books tell us?
That all umpteen matches where The Right Honorable Beast played any part in and on behalf of the Springboks, must now be considered forgotten and scrapped? As if, heaven forbid, we were actually CHEATING!
My word! The ramifications?
You can start by kissing the beloved 2007 World Cup goodbye. Yip. I’d say, we’d have to give it back. And our recent tri-nations cup? Toss it!
It’s as serious as Italy picking Dan Carter without him having citizenship, had he never played for any other national senior side before.
And it was stupid of O Hoskins to “overlook” this. Or did he always know? Was it intentional?
This smells to me like a last final jab from the powers-that-be to discredit and embarrass the Springbok Brand to the point of no return; so that the whoopsy protea can occupy the jersey on its very own.
That said, if these very same powers-that-be should not succeed this time round, I have every ounce of faith that they are thick skinned enough to come up with an even more embarrassing and stupid plan.
What a shame.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Stupid beauracracy, lies and more damn lies.
Leave him alone, if you are too imcompetent to stop him from playing 18 months and 19 tests ago then it is bloody well too effing late now.
Bloody politicians.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
#71 David:
#73 tsiko: Nice posts and interesting info you 2! Are you guys sports lawyers or what?
#74 The Tokkelosh: Easy Tokkelosh! You are acting just like your namesake in that post! Scaring the people.
#75 WP_: I dont know hey, if this came out in another industry we’d all be up in arms about it, saying the evil corporation had slipped a foreigner in who was taking a job from a South African and so on, no?
While we all love the Beast and he is basically a Saffa, SARU should’ve made sure from the beginning. Although, as mentioned above, Im sure Beast has been here longer than 36 months?
Is his chick a Saffa? he needs to marry her… quick
November 12th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
#76 bokfan1: Yes, I think he’s been here for about 3 years, maybe longer… Playing club/lower level rugby.
Haha yes, propose Beasty propose! now!
November 12th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
#76 bokfan1:
Sorry buddy. Didn’t mean to scare. Just meant to say it like it is. Trust me, this is just the beginning. We as saffas are appalled.
But wait for it.
Watch the rest of the rugby fraternity go to town on this.
They are going to LOVE calling us cheats. Because that’s how they’ll see it. And who could blame them?
Tell me. Did YOU yourself know Beast was not in possession of a South African passport?
I for sure as damit thought he was.
But I bet O Hoskins knew he wasn’t!
So. I ask you. You want me to be careful of what? Talking about the truth? One man wants to talk about the truth in a mist of deceit?
Heck, I’m sorry!
November 12th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
#78 The Tokkelosh: Hahaha no man, no problem, I was joking around with you.
I think from the posts above, there is legislation that is both for and against Beast’s position.
It seems to be a bit of a grey area – he has been in SA for 36 months or longer, he must have some kind of work permit, he has been overseas before (S14, Tri Nations etc) so his passport couldnt have been a rpoblem before surely?
And now suddenly it is?
I agree with you about other countries loving to nail the Boks, and our politicians giving them ammo is not cool.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
#78 The Tokkelosh:
The interesting thing is that he’s legal according to the IRB regulations, but not South Africas, although I’m not too sure how the IRB defines 3 years residency.
It looks like there wouldn’t be a problem with the IRB over this, only the SA government.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
#76 bokfan1:
No, just got time to use Google.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
#74 The Tokkelosh: Beast made his debut against Wales in June 2008, what has this got to do with the Springboks winning the World Cup in 2007??
November 12th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
#82 Cheetah 4 Eva:
Just another example of ignorant hysteria.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I must say I find this irritating in the extreme. Beast has been around long enough to become a national hero, and has put himself on the line for this country and fully deserves his place. So why now must Stofile bring this up publically? This could easily have been sorted out behind the scenes in the interest of our national team the Springboks. It is ironic that on this day Home Affairs admits that it has no idea of how many illegals are in the country! So why use the small print against The Beast who is a proven asset to South Africa. I really can’t work out Stofile’s angle or what is to be gained from this nonsense.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
And whats teh problems with “scarce skills”? I would say being the best looshead prop in the country is a scarce skill!
November 12th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
#85 SjamBok: still typing with 2 fingers I see.
Teh way of teh future.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Anything coming from Stoph kop is just junk. All countries are guilty of using foreign nationals. We just have ANC racists who only want Black African players as quotas and simply not just the best players.
Aparthied is gone but the mentalities are the same!
November 13th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Stofile…..what a clown
ONLY IN SOUTH AFRICA !!!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:25 am
The amendment does not only apply to sporting codes but in the workplace as well…granted, one has to question the timing in this. One could also easily blame either SARFU, ‘the Government’ in all its guises or various individuals.
At the end of the day the amendment to the law was made in order to protect SA nationals’ interests in the workplace due to the large influx of foreign nationals currently working in SA – to the detriment of SA nationals.
Yes, it could have been handled better, and a long time ago as intimated earlier, but we have to work within the system whether we agree with it or not…all of you crying foul at this should maybe think about how you would appreciate it should you be fired or lose out on a large contract to a none SA citizen/company with the same qualifications/skill sets as yourself.
IMO Tendai is no better or worse than some of the props we have in SA and as such he should not be given special dispensation because this will set an unfortunate precedent for all future applicants who could also claim to have a ’scarce skill’. This would have serious consequences for the SA economy, but hey, don’t let that stop you in your quest to win a rugby game.
November 13th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
#83 David: Ignorent not really. A mistake on my part certainly yes, as far as going back to the WC2007 is concerned.
But the bulk of it remains the same.
We’d still be considered as having cheated for having had a player in our side who was not, according to our own laws, allowed to play for the country. That is not hysteria. That is simple truth.
November 13th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
#54 Yetirat: David Beckham cant play for the USA national side
November 14th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Well, I guess the politicians have got wind of how many Zimbos there are in South Africa occupying jobs that they have been appointed to on merit, that South Africans should be in by virtue of being South African.
Still if Beast is booted out of the Boks, the Sables will be more than happy to welcome him home. You never know, we might even put a competitive side together to compete with the boks at the rate you guys are going.