Butana Komphela

Johannesburg - The FF Plus wants ANC MP Butana Komphela investigated and prosecuted for corruption and blackmail.

This, after an article in Sunday newspaper, Rapport, claimed that Komphela had, among other things, insisted that the South African Rugby Union (SARU) pledge R2.5m for rugby development before a rugby match involving the British and Irish Lions could go ahead on Youth Day, June 16. 

In a letter to Saru, Komphela emphasised the "historic significance" of June 16 and demanded that the match, against an Eastern Cape XV, start after 16:00 to ensure it did not interfere with Youth Day celebrations, said FF Plus spokesperson Willie Spies. Komphela demanded that both teams wear the words "June 16 - Youth Day 2009" on their jerseys and that an "audiovisual insert" be played on the big screens in the stadium, Spies said.

"It is now clear that the ANC abuses public sentiments surrounding 16 June to blackmail sports administrators for personal favours and political concessions.

"Two years ago organisers of the Comrades Marathon had to move the date of the event following pressure by the ANC.

"The rescheduling of the marathon caused a drop of more than 20% in entries for the prestigious event," said Spies.

"The fact that Komphela now combines his threats with a claim for financial contributions is taking it too far. It is blatant blackmail and corruption," he said.

Political interference in sport

The Christian Democratic Alliance has, meanwhile, dared the ANC to "play open cards with the public on what is at stake with its political interference in sport, especially according to racial lines".

It was "ridiculous" to believe that the entire world had to bow to the ANC's "eccentric antics", the CDA said in a statement describing the political interference in sport so soon before the 2010 World Soccer Cup as "highly irresponsible".

"Fifa is notorious for taking no nonsense from politicians, not even from African countries. Kenya, Greece and the oil rich Iran had been kicked out of Fifa because of political meddling, and countries such as Brazil and Nigeria backed out just prior to getting the sack.

"It has been pointed out at numerous occasions to Komphela that other international sports bodies, such as the [International Olympic Committee] and those for rugby and cricket do not allow political interference or racism."

The CDA said matters had already become complicated with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers throwing his weight behind the ANC and the party's condoning of the action.

"It is very doubtful whether the ANC would be very happy if other sport people start indicating allegiance to political parties other than the ANC," it said.