The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) expressed disappointment in the Government of National Unity (GNU) for its failure to show the match between the Springboks and the All Blacks on a public broadcaster.
Also read: Reliving the ‘Bokke’ glory: Photos shared by teammates after the big brawl
The match was highly anticipated with many fans expected to fill out the 60 000-seater stadium. However, while those who have access to DSTV were able to watch the game on SuperSport, many South Africans were unable to watch the game as there was no agreement reached this time around.
According to Times Live, Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie said it was a one-off deal which did not include the Cape Town fixture. He said a deal was unlikely in the final hours and said it was the responsibility of the GNU to find a long-term solution.
‘Our people need to watch the game and shouldn’t be excluded because they don’t have money,’ said McKenzie. ‘I am fighting and negotiating so people can permanently be able to watch all the games, that includes rugby and cricket.’
According to IOL, COSATU’s Malvern De Bruyn has expressed its concern that the GNU has failed to intervene in the matter to be able to air the match on SABC. He said it was a tragic day for the working class and was a damning reflection of the GNU.
#COSATU disappointed in Rugby black out for most South Africans for the game between the Springboks and New Zealand on Saturday, 7 Sept @Springboks @Blitzboks @GaytonMcK @SportArtsCultur @ewnreporter @Dispatch_DD @Newzroom405 @SAfmRadio @JacaNews @Radio702 @POWER987News @eNCA pic.twitter.com/Mor3rl6KOC
— @COSATU Today (@_cosatu) September 6, 2024
De Bruyn said it was a failure of public policies to prioritise issues that foster national unity, criticised McKenzie and labelled last week’s once-off deal as a ‘gimmick’.
Also read: McKenzie scores big: Springboks vs All Blacks to air live on SABC
‘We are aware that it costs money but can confirm that it was done before. The ministry does not appear to be able to deal with the complexities of the Competition Commission ruling that led to the match not being shown,’ he said.
He demanded that the match be aired either live or 30 minutes later, as it would not cost any money or infringe on SuperSport’s rights.
He said it was a sad day for rugby fans who were unable to watch the game on DSTV, and said it was a case of putting money ahead of the interests of all South Africans.
De Bruyn added that if the GNU truly represents the future of all South Africans, it must ensure that everyone benefits from it.
According to Mail & Guardian, the union has called on Ramaphosa to urgently intervene in this ‘crisis’ to ensure that all the games that the Springboks will be playing are broadcast live on SABC.
Also read:
FlySafair takes jab at Emirates after epic flyover at Springboks game
Picture: Fran Jacquier / Unsplash
