Social media is buzzing after South African Olympic gold medallist, Roland Schoeman, announced his interest in becoming the country’s next Minister of Sport.
Schoeman formally wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa to offer his services, saying that “South Africans are tired of being served by ministers that seem to only serve themselves, at the expense of ordinary citizens.”
The swimming champion went on to list his accolades while citing achievements in sports management, psychology and life coaching.
Schoeman added that the country needs a sports minister who is interested in getting young men and women “to the point of success on major international platforms.”
After the overwhelming response I’d like to share that I have formally written to @CyrilRamaphosa @PresidencyZA to offer my services. See attached for my letter. pic.twitter.com/qAnp2mVuAe
— Roland Schoeman (@Rolandschoeman) August 3, 2021
An enthusiastic and determined Schoeman received unwavering support from the likes of politicians such as Herman Mashaba.
I support this.
South Africa needs more public servants who have the knowledge and experience to get the job done.
We need to stop this thing of giving ministerial positions to people who have never run so much as a spaza shop! https://t.co/jInWThomLH
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) August 4, 2021
On the other hand, the EFF released a statement that “rejects and rebukes the attempts by… Schoeman,” who they referred to as a “confirmed racist.”
The statement further read that “The doper, who has been banned from participating in official swimming competitions for using banned substances to enhance his performances, is emboldened by the fact that racism triumphs in South Africa under Ramaphosa.”
EFF Statement On Racist Roland Schoeman’s Bid To Become Minister Of Sports, Arts & Culture pic.twitter.com/pno1jf0pPo
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 4, 2021
Twitter has seen mixed reactions since, with some encouraging the prospect while others are raising concerns:
This is like a technician wanting to be a manager instead of focusing on the technical expertise.
If this was to be allowed, we would lose twice. We would lose a good athlete and inherit an incapable policy maker.
I suggest you open a training academy that’s where your skills are— Mzwanele Manyi (@MzwaneleManyi) August 5, 2021
Wasn’t he also found guilty of doping? Not sure if this is positive or negative on a Ministerial CV. ?
— joey v (@YusufVorajee) August 4, 2021
Roland Schoeman’s CV is okayish for the job. However: Which PSL team does he support? Does he know that Shona just passed on? How many episodes of Skeem Saam has he seen? Does he know why artists sat in at the NAC offices? If he can’t answer atleast 2 of these then ayi…no
— Mthoko Ntshingila (@Mnchingy10) August 4, 2021
Roland Schoeman is not even asking for an intern position in the ministry??
— Brigadier General ??? (@ChiefExo) August 4, 2021
This is not swimming it’s politics, it’s not for the faint hearted.
— KB (@kabelo_87) August 1, 2021
100% agree that professionals in each area should be in parliament. People who are qualified and who are experts in the particular field.
— Yvette Bester (@yvettebester01) August 2, 2021
With all due respect bud, a plank could do a better job than the current sports minister.
— Nicholas Collins (@Colly_Nic) August 4, 2021
I don’t think Roland understand that it takes more than just participating in the Olympics (and more than 1million impressions) to be minister but he is white and privileged. He might just get it.
— Themba Kaebis (@Themba_kaebis) August 4, 2021
Our current ministers have visited townships, they know what the black child is going through, and they simply don’t care.
I’m not saying he should be appointed, but I don’t think he can do a worse job than the current/recent ministers. The bar is low.— Sbu (@Sbu41072880) August 4, 2021
Oh great just what we need. A racist doping minister
— Blacklilly (@Tsholo_Blacki) August 2, 2021
When questions regarding ‘transformation’ surfaced, Schoeman referred the public to this Twitter thread:
Please read through this thread https://t.co/VJtkz0aNHA
— Roland Schoeman (@Rolandschoeman) August 4, 2021
Picture: Twitter / @Rolandschoeman