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The possible resolution to SuperSport's race row could make for epic television
According to a media release issued by SuperSport, the trio – Ashwin Willemse, Naas Botha and Nick Mallet – kissed and made up … almost – report Rugby365.
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The trio was locked in “robust discussions” for most of the day, Tuesday, with SuperSport CEO Gideon Khobane and MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela.
According to Khobane and Mawela, there was “no racism” at play when Willemse walked out of the studio at the weekend.
Willemse, a celebrated Springbok, dramatically removed his microphone and walked off, live on air, while having been afforded an opportunity to air his opinion after the Super Rugby encounter between the Lions and Brumbies in Johannesburg at the weekend.
The dramatic scenes, caught on camera, show Willemse storm out of their studio, despite being live on air.
Willemse – who won 19 caps for the Springboks – spoke to camera regarding how he was perceived as a “quota player” during his playing days and that he refused to be ‘patronised’ – before dramatically walking off the set.
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His grievance appeared to be directed at fellow pundits Nick Mallett and Naas Botha – who he referred to as “apartheid era” players. The incident has elicited strong reactions, with heavy racial undertones.
“What is encouraging with the discussions, we’ve had, is that Nick [Mallet], Naas [Botha], and also Ashwin [Willemse], were part of the discussions,” Mawela told a media briefing.
“They were all in the same room; they were courteous to each other; they shook hands; they openly [chatted].
“There is no animosity that exists between the three of them from what we could see today,” Mawela added.
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The SuperSport CEO, Khobane, said they did not intend sweeping anything under the carpet and would instead deal with the issue fairly.
“This has become a national issue. We at SuperSport and MultiChoice treat this issue with all the seriousness it deserves,” he said. “We’ve had very robust discussions today from 7 o’clock this morning with all the role players involved. We recognise that we need further engagements,” he added.
“We are positive that this was not a racially motivated issue because all parties were very courteous during our discussions that started this morning‚” Khobane said.
In a media release, it was revealed that the trio will all three resume duties. It is basically ‘business as usual’.
“There was a significant move in the parties finding common ground,” the statement said. “This is merely the first stage of the process to address the issues raised by the weekend’s events.”
This could make for some fantastic and incredibly awkward television.
