Rugby thug Pieter van Zyl’s attack on an Irish referee during a Tri-Nations Cup match in Durban last weekend has been singled out by President Thabo Mbeki as an example of how not to treat foreign visitors.
Writing in the African National Congress’ on-line publication, ANC Today, Mbeki said the coming World Summit on Sustainable Development did ”not permit of careless remarks and actions that communicate negative messages about our country and people”.
”In this regard, all of us owe the Irish referee at the recent Springbok-All Blacks match, Dave McHugh, our sincere apology for the impermissible assault on him by one of us, Mr Pieter van Zyl.
”As South Africans, we respect and value our international visitors. We also respect the rules that govern civilised conduct of individuals and nations,” he said.
McHugh was assaulted and had his shoulder dislocated by Van Zyl when the burly fan, wearing a Springbok supporters jersey, slipped past security personnel and tackled the international referee.
Van Zyl was arrested and charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
He has appeared in court and been granted bail.
Mbeki, referring to the summit, set to get underway officially in Johannesburg on August 26, on Friday said extending a warm welcome to foreign guests was of the greatest importance. – Sapa