FRIDAY, 8.00AM:
PRETORIA Judge William De Villers on Thursday issued a summons to President Nelson Mandela to appear in court to explain his decision to appoint a commission of inquiry into rugby.
The decision has alarmed the government, and Mandela’s legal adviser Nicholas Haysom said it will set a precedent, allowing anyone to challenge the president’s decisions, “and he will be in and out of court all the time”.
“Although the president has nothing to hide,” said Haysom, “the decision has implications for his section 84 [constitutional] powers.” Haysom said he will consider an appeal to the Constitutional Court, even though a judge’s decision to call for oral evidence is not normally challenged.
The judge has also subpoenaed Sports Minister Steve Tshwete and his Director-General Mthobi Tyamzashe.
Meanwhile, Sarfu has slammed threats by National Sports Council head Mluleki George of possible international boycotts if more black players are not selected for national teams, as “irresponsible and alarming”. George, who is also Sarfu-affiliated Border Rugby Union president, was reacting to only four black players being chosen for the four 30-man Super 12 squads. “This is not an idle threat. I expected at least 10 players of colour to be [chosen],” he said. “Should there be no change … this season … the NSC will be forced to consider calling for a rugby boycott of South Africa,” he warned.
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