Essop Pahad: Hero or villain?

Back in June this year, I wrote an article titled “Do white South Africans hate local soccer?” Little did I know that Essop Pahad would be castigated for expressing the same sentiment, but in a different way.

The responses to the above-mentioned article argued passionately that the situation was more complicated and probably complex that the question I put forth. Personally, I don’t think I have ever been in a position to argue whether what I write is true.

So here goes Pahad, right in the middle of the 2008 Olympics, and he claims that “some” white South Africans do not want to see the 2010 World Cup succeed.

Many responses have been expressed on the matter, from the UDM (United Democratic Movement) in the form of Bantu Holomisa to the Afrikanerbond, which has laid a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission.

Is there any scientific evidence to support Pahad’s claims? I don’t know.

But I do suggest that it would be better for the matter to be investigated deeper, rather than dismissed for political masquerading.

Why? I have my suspicions, and that is what they remain: suspicions.

On the other hand, I’m delighted that opposition political parties are finally taking a stand to tell the world that they believe in the success of 2010. In my opinion, this message should have been sent out a long time ago, at least to the betterment of our general society.

But that was not to be the case. Instead, we had websites and opinions like Southafricasucks, some “pickled bushman” and some “Stop the 2010 world cup” petitions flourishing all over.

Tell you what, I did not mention “coconuts”. I think JQ has already driven the point home.

Truth be told, the majority of respondents in all those forums didn’t seem like black South Africans. I could be wrong, but I doubt it!

Now here’s my opinion: instead of taking Pahad to the increasingly politicised SAHRC, let us all face our demons while we gear up for a successful 2010 World Cup tournament.