N E W U N IT Y M O V E M E N TSecretariat

P.O. Box 18519 Wynberg 7824

South Africa

MARCH 1989

The General Secretary S.A. COUNCIL ON SPORT ATHLONE

Dear Cde Clarke

Thank you for your letter of 14 February.

The New Unity Movement sends its warmest frater­nal greetings to the S.A. Council on Sport on the eve of your 8th Biennial General Meeting. We wish you a fruitful and successful meeting and an inspired leap forward as you grappi with the challenges that face the movement for non-racial sport as part of tli movement for emancipation. As we approach the decade of the nineties, th principles and objectives of SACOS will come under the most severe oppos tion from the ruling class. The closing and strengthening of the ranks of SACO' are chalienges which all of us have to face squarely. We wish you well in meel ing these challenges.The tremendous strides that the non-racial sports movement has made undf the banner of SACOS have been achieved in the face of fearsome odds, nC least of which has been the ruling class’ throwing hundreds of millions of ran; into the conflict to destroy SACOS and the non-racial sports movement. Thi movement, because it reflects the contribution that the oppressed workers an* students and their allies have been making in this field, has a unique meanirt for all of us in the liberatory movement. SACOS and its forefathers haV' sidelined the racist sport of the ruling class and has won the support of the if ternational community of sportspersons in a manner quite unprecedented f the history of struggles of oppressed peoples. That status has been wo' through SACOS' courageous and principled adherence to its principles an* its commendable ability, through its non-aligned position, to harness the inte* ests of all non-racial sports persons regardless of colour, gender, political pe< suasions, or “race classification" imposed upon the oppressed by the ruiin! class.

Much work has to be done. The more SACOS succeeds the fiercer will the a| tacks upon all of us become. YOU MUST DEFEND THE SPORTS FRONT If THE BATTLE FOR LIBEffl^TION AGAINST ALL-COMERS. In this you have oii fullest and comradely support.

With fraternal good wishes

Yours in the struggle President

MESSAGE FROM ADV. DULLAH OMAR IN HIS PERSONAL CAPACITY (but who is also Chairperson of UNITED DEMOCRATIC FRONT for WESTERN CAPE REGION

I extend warm comradely greetings to all comrades in SACOS on the occasion of your Biennial General Meeting. In terms of the Emergency Regulations it is illegal for the U.D .F. to convey a message to you. Hence I am compelled to convey a message to you in my "personal" capacity- though as a general rule in struggle one’s "personal" views cannot be allowed to conflict with our general political posi­tion in organisations. The struggle in our country demands that we must - all of us- be subject to the political discipline of the Mass Democratic Movement and

therefore we are accountable to it for ALL our activities and utterances.

Permit me then to convey to SACOS and all its components best wishes for a successful Biennial General Meeting. I know that differences exist in SACOS on crucial issues which face the organisation and the non-racial sport struggle in our country. My message to you is that differences there will always be in any struggle, but they must not be allowed to cause division. The broad democratic movement in our country is made up of different tendencies but we are all brothers and sisters - comrades - in the same struggle. We all op­pose apartheid and the exploitation of one human being by another. 1 have yet to hear a tendency in the democratic struggle which does not say that it stands for working class liberation and working class leadership of the nation­al democratic struggle. Even if they only pay lip service to these ideas - ideas which have gripped the masses of our country.

HOW CAN WE ENSURE THAT DIFFERENCES DO NOT LEAD TO DIVISION?

We can help to avoid division:

(a) if we subject ourselves to the process of democratic decision-making;(b) if we democratise all our organisations;(c) if we recognise that free but constructive expression of all points of view MUST be permitted;(d) if all decisions are taken in a democratic manner;(e) if we all accept and do not undermine democratically taken decisions (with the right of dissents and review always permitted).

The reason we must accept this, is that building UNITY IN ACTION is crucial for our struggle. It is through subjecting ourselves to the democratic process inside our forums that we help to ensure that differences do not lead to division.

May I, in this spirit, offer the following comments as part of the debate on major issues facing the non-racial sport struggle today.

Firstly, SACOS policy of isolating all apartheid sport (including multi-national, multi-ethnic, multi-racial sport) must remain the cornerstone of our sporting policy, both nationally and internationally. This policy has been a major suc­cess. It must be intensified, not relaxed.

Secondly, SACOS policy of building Non-Racial sporting codes must be con­solidated, developed and advanced. Whilst on the question of isolating apart­heid sport, there should be NO differences, on the question of howto develop and advance the non-racial codes, different approaches should be discussed and debated inside all the organisations and structures within the broad democratic movement including sports organisations - especially SACOS and its affiliates. Such discussions should be organised and structured and must be conducted in a democratic manner with all participants subjecting themsel­ves to the democratic decision making process. What is more all of us should recognise that policy in this regard is not static but an evolving one, and that our discussion now form part of an ongoing process of clarifying and charter­ing our direction. Such an approach is essential in order to consolidate and build unity.

Thirdly our guidelines should be:

(i) how to intensify the national and international isolation of the apartheid sport;

(ii) howto strengthen, consolidate and advance the Non-Racial Sporting codes and how to take advance of our international links to improve our standards, how to provide facilities and opportunities for our players and supports with the assistance of our international friends and allies.

■fourthly: whatever we do and whichever direction we take, we must do so in . onsultation with our international friends and allies so that we move in the same direction.

Fifthly: SACOS needs to locate itself within the broad mass democratic move­ment and move in conjunction with it, whilst at the same time recognising the right of everyone to subscribe to a political programme of his/her choice and the right to belong to a political movement or organisation within the broad democratic movement of his/her choice and on the basis of everyone’s right of freedom of belief, expression and association.

S

I do not pretend that any one of us possesses all the answers to the questions facing us. Nobody can make such a claim. I have deemed it proper to stick out my neck and state my views - not dogmatically or inflexibly - but only as a contribution to the current debate. I say so because there is need to respect the right of participants in struggle to hold different positions. Above all we need UNITY. We need to provide the platforms for our discussions and a code of conduct on how to conduct those discussions and to resolve differences in the interest of our struggle.

I earnestly hope that the SACOS B.G.M. will make a contribution to the process outlined above. Let us go fonward in Unity. Viva SACOS. Amandia Ngawethu.

With best wishes.

Yours in Struggle

DULLAH OMAR

South Australian Council of ChurchesAFFILIATED WITH THE AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

15 FEBRUARY 1989

Mr Colin ClarkeGeneral SecretarySouth African Council on SportP 0 Box 159ATHLONE 7760South Africa

First Floor. 155 Pirie Street, Adelaide Telephone (08) 232 0070 G-P-0. Box 2106, Adelaide 5001

Executive Officer: Janet Wood

Dear Mr Clarke

The South Australian Council of Churches supports your Council in its efforts to promote non-racial sport in the context of a just and democratic nation.

We know how much this costs you as lovers of, and participants in sport, and we recognise the courage it has taken to keep going for fifteen years.

We too look forward to the day when we can welcome to Austral ia South African teams chosen on merit and from a society in which all share equally.

Yours sincerely

Janet Wood Executive Officer

SAN-ROCSouth African Non-Racial Olympic CommitteeEXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN: Sam Ramsamy

P.O. Box 235 — London NW3 5tTelephone; 01-435 81^

Telex: 9419292 ICA>^

14 FEBRUARY 1989

MESSAGE - SACOS 8TH BIENNIAL GENERAL MEETING 18/19 MARCH 1989

Apartheid sport is now trembling. White South Africa has, at last, publicly conceded that sports isolation is undermining its morale. The two main pillars of apartheid sport, the South African Rugby Board and the South African Cricket Union, were rudely shocked by the most serious tremors of the decade they had to bear with during the last year.In cricket, South Africa's close international ally,England, was obliged to accept severing some of its links with apartheid. Last year, in a most un­precedented move, South Africa’s friends, undergreat pressure, were forced to decline an invitation to send an international team to the land of apartheid.

This situation, in turn, drove the White South African Rugby Board to seek an audience with the African National Congress.

Apartheid sport is now desperate.

Now is the time for steadfastness and determination on the part of every non- racial sports activist, whether participant or administrator, to unite to accelerate the downfall of apartheid. The downfall which will liberate South African sport from the shackles of discrimination in all its manifestations.

Meanwhile, we need to embark on mass mobilisation so as to strengthen the anti-apartheid sports campaign and to build infrastructures that will sustain and fortify our present position and help build a firm foundation for a future non-ra- cial and democratic South Africa.

SAN-ROC has now initiated a pilot project to help the non-racial sports move­ment to equip participants, coaches and administrators with the updated trends in international sport.

In 1988 we were able to help the South African Soccer Federation and the South African Table Tennis Board in the training of coaches. We wish to ex­pand this important aspect of our work. But, like most projects, its expansion will depend on how much financial support we can obtain.

Many new challenges are now being presented to the non-racial sports move­ment. I am certain that SACOS and its affiliates will harness all its resources to meet these new challenges.

Good luck for a fruitful meetino and a successful outcome.

Sam Ramsamy Executive Chairman

International Campaign AGAINST APARTHEID SPORT

CHAIRMAN: Fekrou K idare EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Sam Ramsamy

P.O. Box 235 London NW3 STS

Telephone: 01-4358142 Telex: 912881 All. NROG

PARIS, 6 MARCH 1989

SACOS P 0 Box 159 Athlone 7760 South Africa

MESSAGE - BIENNIAL GENERAL MEETING - 18-19 MARCH 1989

The international Campaign Against Apartheid Sport (ICAAS) sends fraternal greetings to SACOS.

We are aware that you have been involved in the struggle against apartheid sport for over 16 years and your determination to establish non-racial sport is a commendable one.

We wish your meeting all the success and hope that the deliberations will be fruitful.

Fekrou Kidane Chairman - ICAAS

NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSIONP.O. Box 5448 Harare

T*l'T«lex:2747 KD'

24 JANUARY 1989

Mr Y EbrahimActing PresidentSouth African Council on SportP 0 Box 159Athlone 7760REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Mr Ebrahim

Thank you very much for your letter of 11 January inviting me to send a mes­sage of support on the occasion of your eighth biennial meeting on 18/1 March.

I have been for many years now a firm supporter of SACOS and all that it rep­resents for the future of South Africa. The stand that SACOS has taken agains' the organisation of sport on racial lines is a stand for a principle which is un­challengeable. After many years of frustration and seemingly fruitless effof' that stand is now beginning to bear real fruit. Nobody can dispute any longe' the beneficial impact of the sports boycott. The evidence of its effectiveness in changing the course of South African history is there for all to see. Today, it is only the occasional exception to the boycott which makes the news. If' other words, the isolation of racist sport is now almost complete and much o* the credit for that achievement belongs to SACOS.

The immediate future is one of challenge and risk. The challenge is to rein­force the impact of the boycott of South African society and thus assist if' paving the way for the demolition of the structures of apartheid. The risk lies in being diverted by notions that the boycott should be relaxed in certain sports SACOS has many friends in New Zealand and many admirers all over the world All of us who have been associated with your efforts and who have admirefJ your sacrifices will want to congratulate SACOS on its achievements to-dats and to wish it strength and steadfastness in the years ahead.

. C - ^

( C h r i s t o p h e r R L a i d l a w ) H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r

- J

COMTTE CONTBE LE COLONlALISME ET L’APARTHEIDSOUTIEN AUX LUTTES DE UBERATION

COMITE TEGEN COLONIALISME E \ APARTHEIDSTEUN AAN DE BEVRUDINGSSTRUDEN

P 0 Box 22 - Ucde 555 1180 Brussels (Belgium)Phone: (2)345,08.97 FAX; (2)514.23.65

To: Mr Colin Clarke General Secretary SACOS Athlone (South Africa)

The Belgian Committee against Colonialism and Apartheid is pleased and honoured to extend its warmest congratulations to the South African Council on Sport, on the occasion of its Biennial General Meeting.

It reaffirms its solidarity with SACOS’ struggle for a just, democratic and non- racial society in which sport can be played without any discrimination, and its own ongoing commitment to fight, in Belgium, against sport collaboration with the apartheid regime.

Fraternal Greetings,

Paulette Pierson-Mathy President

MOUVEMENT ANTI-APARTHEID

PARIS, FEBRUARY THE 13TH 1989 :%

On behalf of the French Anti-Apartheid Movement (M.A.A.) I have the pleasure to send our heartfelt greetings and wishes for a successful 8th Biennial General Meeting. As the SAGOS is entering its 17th year, I want to reconfirm our full solidarity and sup­port for all its mernbers.

For 16 years of existence, members of SAGOS have been in the forefront of the struggle for a non-racial sport in a free, non-racial and democratic South African society, and we, anti-apartheid activists of

France, we take pride in your consistent struggle. In front of the unrelenting attacks from the racist rulers of your country, of all their attempts to use sport to bolster their ideals of apartheid, separate development, white domination and exploitation, you, members of SAGOS have stood firm and resolute. Your steady struggle against racist oppression is a source of great inspiration for all.

The anti-apartheid struggle has made great progress In France, where the cold assassination of the ANG representative, Dulcie September, in March 1988, has made French people aware of the true terrorist and criminal nature of the apartheid regime.

By the way of all kind of publications, of regular demonstrations, of solidarity and boycott campaigns, we in the Anti-Apartheid Movement in France, are working constantly to explain the true situation of the disenfranchised people of South Africa to all French people, and to end every kind of collaboration be­tween France and the apartheid regime.

We salute your dedication and look forward to the day when South Africa and the whole world will be freed from racism and apartheid.

Amandla.

Antoine BOUILLON President M.A.A. France

A C C E S STH E A M E R IC A N C O O R D IN A T IN G

C O M M IT T E E FOR E Q U A L IT Y IN SPORT A N D S O C IE T YCentsr (oc Study o( Sport in Socioty Northoatloin Univoroty S60 Huntim jtoit Avenua Bofton. Md<9ach»s*us 021 IS 6)7-407 SBtS

on Africaor OenKAtaiic Aciiun wndc S**r«ic«* Comrtiiun* littitiw irf lu i Sport jrx f Social A ru ly tn

L jily CuTKerrwd Cortc«rna<i UUck Aim*rtc4nft

M Human Ki|;hts irt Suutherrt Africa to Oppose llank Loatts to Sooth Africa

l|HSi U|>jl CKurOviMMS tm South Africa Cray ra n ih rftMethodist federation for Social ActionNaiiorsai Conference of Ulack lawyersNaiKWwi Council o f Hlack ChurchmenNational Council of Nettro WomenOperation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity)Piovressive National Baptist ConventionSouth African Non-Racial Olympic CommiliceSouth African Studenis Movement

Southern Chriitian leaderih ip Conference (SCLC) Sports for (h r People TrantAffK aUnited Methodist Church. Board of Ckiba) Ministries,

World DivisionUnited Methodist Church Conference Task Force on

Southern AfricaUnited Methodist Church. Women's Division Women's International leacue for Peace B Freedom Yountt Women's Christian Assoc lales (YWCA)

FEBRUARY 3, 1989

Colin Clarke General Secretary South African Council on Sport P 0 Box 159Athlone 7760. South Africa

Dear Friends of SACOS

On behalf of ACCESS, I want to offer our congratulations on the anniver­sary of your 15 years of work promot­ing non-racial sport in South Africa.

Many of us in the United States are currently working to end racism in sports in our own country. However, as serious as our problems are, they are inconsequential when compared to the oppression suffered under apartheid model of courage from which to work here.tire international community. jACCESS pledges its continued support to stopping sports contests with South! African teams until apartheid has been uprooted and in its place stands a free, democratic society in which race plays no role.We wish you good luck with your 8th Biennial General Meeting.

Fraternally

SACOS and SAN-ROC give us a Your work is important to the en-

Richard E Lapchick

Dr. Richard E. Lapchick, National Chairperson Dr. )ohn Dommisse. Secretary-General — Phone (8041 393-4066

KOMITEE- ZUIDEUJK AFRIKA—(ANGOLA COMITE)

o.z. a c h t e h b u r g w a 1012 DJ A/MSTERDAM TEL. 020-270801 TELEX V POSTGIRO 600657

HOLLAND COMMITTEE ON SOUTHERf

AMSTERDAM, 17 FEBRUARY 1989

Dear Friends

We have been supporting SACOS during the 1980’s and will continue our sup'!: port till the end of apartheid. ^

[•We know that our solidarity will be needed more than ever, now that all forms, of non-violent resistance lead to extremely severe jail-sentences. ' '

At present (February) we are trying to stop of Dutch boxing-champion, Jan' Lefeber, from going to South Africa to fight ’Sugarboy’ Malinga. We also try t to stop a Dutch cricket-tour to South Africa, planned for March. We hope to ; have good results before the opening of your 8th BGM. »

Please, continue your own hard fight for a just society. '

Sincerely,

Frank Hendricksstaffmember of the Holland Committee on Southern Africa.

i'EDERATION BPORTIVE 4 [JYMNIQUE DU

JPRAVAIL■ 4, rue DE SCANDICCI ,,'3508 PANTIN Cedex Tel. ■. (1) 48 43 61 31 \pres 18 h et samedi Tel, •. (1) 48 45 50 62

®>.A.G. 16211 TCP Paris 1947 / 73 TELEX : FSGT 232884 F adresse

/ telegraphique 5SPORGYMTRA

N» SIR 775 678 360 00048 APE 9625organe officiel SPORT & PLEIN AIR

17 FEVRIER 1989

A L’ATTENTION DE M. Y. EBRAHIM PRESIDENT ET M. C R CLARKE SECRETAIRE GENERAL

Chers Amis,

Nous vous remerci(5ns de votre lettre nous informant de la tenue de votre 8 ‘erne Assemblee Generale les 18/19 Mars 1989.

Nous vous adressons nos voeux de sucess dans I’activite que vous deployez dans les conditions difficiles actuel- les contre I’apartheid, et pour I’etablissement d ’un SPORT NON RACIAL DANS UNE AFRIOUE DU SUD LIBEREE DE L’APARTHEID.

Nous restons entierement solidaires de votre action et continuons notre action en France pour faire connaitre I'existence du sport non-racial sud-africain anime par le SACOS et contribuer a I’isolement sportif de TApartheid Sud Africain.

Nos relations amicales at solidaires se poursuivront jusqu’a Tobtention de la reconnaissance de vos droits, qui permettra ensuite de pouvoir etablir des relations sportives veritables.

Nous vous prions d’agreer. Chers Amis, nos salutations amicales. _ r x

Rene MOUSTARD Co-President de la F.S.G.T.

TKe LIQUOR TRADES UNION

JOHN DRUMM. Acling Secieutv116 CROTE STREET, ADELAIDE. 5.A. 5000

TELEPHONE; (00) 212 7300 FACSIMILE: (08) 231 650? I

15 FEBRUARY 1989

Mr Colin Clarke General Secretary South African Council on Sport P O Box 159 Athlone 7760 SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Mr Clarke

The South Australian Branch of the,Federal Liquor and Allied Industri' Employees Union wishes to express our support and solidarity with you in yO struggle to achieve equal opportunity, for all South Africans, to develop th' sporting potential in an environment free from racial criteria.

We admire the sacrifices you make in pursuit of your goals and look forw9 to the day when your efforts are rewarded by the total elimination of aparth^ from both sport and South African life in general.

Yours sincerely.

John Drumm Acting Secretary

THE VEHICLE BUILDERS EMPLOYEES’ FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA14 FEBRUARY 1989

General Secretary Colin ClarkeSouth African Council on Sport

The Vehicle Builders Union in South Australia expresses its full and ongoii' support for the South African Council on Sport on the occasion of your S' Biennial General Meeting.

The continued existence of the abhorrent and discriminatory policy known apartheid is condemned by all decent, freedom loving people around the woH' regardless of class, colour or creed.

The isolation of South African from the international sporting community is b' one way of stressing our attitude toward this racist policy.On an optimistic note, we look forward to the elimination of apartheid, and tl' day when a non-racial, just, democratic and free South African nation can b represented in international sports arenas.

We remain in solidarity with your struggle. C. H. Lane. (Sec.)

Postal address: PO Box 2436, Auckland, A otearoa (N ew Zealand). Tel. (09)399465.

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21 FEBRUARY 1989

C R Clarke General Secretary SACOS Box 159 Athlone 7760 South Africa

Dear Friends

HART extends its warmest greetings to the officials and affiliates of SACOS at the time of your 8th Biennial General Meeting.

At this time SACOS can look back with pride on a 16 year history of promotion of non-racial sport - carried out with no compromise to apartheid or the racist multi-national sports policies of the regime. Internationally the campaign to isolate apartheid and apartheid in sport has never been stronger. Already this year important steps have been taken to further isolate racist cricket. However, fresh attempts are continually being made to breach South Africa’s sporting isolation and a new assault by the apartheid organised South African Rugby Board to break back into international rugby is now being planned for this year. We will do our best working with the non-racial sports movement to vigorous­ly resist these manoeuvres.

Although we do not experience it first hand we know the suffering and harass­ment and the dangers faced by those fighting for racial justice in sport and in society. We in New Zealand remember particularly your patron Rev Arnold Stofile who in a very short time here in 1985 made an invaluable contribution to the understanding of apartheid in this counti^ and the campaign against apartheid sport. Arnold now serves an 11 year jail sentence. With people of such integrity in SACOS the struggle for genuine non-racial sport and for ra­cial justice in society will be won.

Our best wishes to you all for a successful Biennial Meeting.

i X j y

John MintoInternational Secretary

['CARE'' fcirBS*

J H U l i a j i U l Bs,

Campaign Against Racial Exploitation (Australia) Inc I

17 FEBRUARY 1989

Mr Colin Clarke General Secretary SACOS P 0 Box 159 Athlone 7760 SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Mr Clarke

The Campaign Against Racial Exploitation (Australia) Inc. extends warm cO gratulations to SACOS on the occasion of your 8th Biennial General Meetif^ Australians have been active opponents of apartheid and have taken up a niJfs ber of focuses in our work to support the people of South Africa in yck democratic struggle. One of our main focuses has been campaigning agai>)1’ sporting contacts with South Africa, in accordance with United Nations Gleneagles Agreement policies. I

To the shame of our country, and against ovenA/helming public opinion he\ some Australian sportsmen and women have been willing to accept the cch siderable bribes offered for competing in South Africa. Among these are notorious cricket mercenaries and the infamous Pat Cash. Such peopi receive the scorn of the vast majority of Australians. i

We assure you that Australians will continue to oppose sporting contacts South Africa so long as Apartheid exists. |

SACOS’ proud stand for democracy and equality in sport serves as an inspif tion for us in our work, as we wish you strength and solidarity on the diffic ' road ahead. You will always have our support and encouragement.

Yours for a non-racial society

Rod Felmingham CARE National Convenor 46

National Office: P.O.Box 261, PORT MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3207 AUSTRALIA T«Im : AAM7«BA0084 TELCOM

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M a ^ . < B wBiaaD^.^aQaBBBQIiaB!

South Australian Campaign Against Racial Exploitation Inc.- a Constituent Member of CARE (Australia) Inc.

P.O. Box 16,Bundle Mall, S.A. 5000 Phone; (08) 232 0597

B a a a B E ig aB. Telex; AA88765AD084 TELCOM

SACARE21 FEBRUARY 1989

Dear Friends

On behalf of the South Australian Campaign Against Racial Exploitation I con­gratulate you on the occasion of your 8th Biennial General Meeting.

Apartheid is deeply rooted in South African society and the liberation struggle must be conducted on all fronts, including on the sporting field. The regime knows that as well as we do, that’s why they are so desperate to bribe athletes to tour South Africa.

0if^hat is why the work you are doing is so important - under apartheid even Ji'sport can become a subversive and liberating force. Your non-racial sports (Association highlights the fact that South Africa is an "abnormal society" simp- ifly by existing.3I’

In our country SACARE has emphasised the exposure and public criticism of Australian sportspeople who have accepted apartheid’s "blood money". For

eAxample, we have picketed tennis tournaments featuring the Wimbledon win- ;cAer Pat Cash.ttSometimes South Africa seems a long way away and volunteer, groups like

jpSACARE doubt the worth of their efforts. But hearing of the work you are doing, against much greater odds, inspires us and reminds us of the great gains of recent years.

|SWe send our warmest regards and look to the day when race is no longer an issue in South Africa,

jifijciVours in Friendship and Solidarity

David Winderlich Dhairperson

AUSTRALIAN WORKERS UNIOl

Address ail Ccrraapondaoca:r«aito the Sacrcjtary.

SECRETARY; JORN DUNNERY

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BRANCHDAVID TEMPLE HOUSE207’-209 Angn SU«tL Adelalds 5000Postal Addroas; Q.P.O. Box 2577, Adalaldt 5001

Phone: (08) 223 Pax: (08) 223 1

To npadN* reply, [ quote number o) current

A.W.U. * ' '

Cheauee,MistiEtoA.W.I,ir“*

17 FEBRUARY 1989

General SecretarySouth African Council on SportP 0 Box 159ATHLONE 7760SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Mr Clarke

The Australian Workers Union South Australian Branch congratulates 1 South African Council on Sport on the occasion of its 8th Biennial Gene' Meeting.

Our Union assures the South African Council on Sport of our continued siJ port for your struggle against apartheid. We hope that this message of sii. port arxJ solidarity acts in some small way as inspiration for your members^'

Our Union represents approximately 12,000 South Australian workers who tend their best wishes for the future of your organisation.

Yours in solidarity

John Dunnery Branch Secretary

MULTICULTURAL ARTWORKERS COMMITTEE

16 FEBRUARY 1989

General Secretary Colin Clarke PO Box 159 Athlone 7760 SOUTH AFRICA 6 8

Dear Mr Clarke

NtMlh Tofmf IvktUk')u(b AusJwiUi 000 Tvkfifnfnv ((Vi}ji2'l276

The Multicultural Artworkers Committee of South Australia is a contemporary multidisciplinary arts organisation established in 1984, committed to develop­ing a truly culturally democratic and pluralist society where all people’s crea­tive expressions are stimuiated and respected.

Members of our Committee believe that social systems imposing sophisticated racial discrimination as a way of governing are incompatible with our dignity and integrity as human beings.

Here in Australia we are aware of your struggle for a just democratic and norl- racial society in which sport can be played on the basis of racial equality.

The Multicultural Artworkers Committee fully endorses the United Nations moratorium on sports tours, to and from South Africa.

This letter is to express our support and solidarity in your determination to stop the discrimination and continuous violation of black people’s human rights in South Africa.

Best wishes in the celebration of your 15th year of existence and all the best for the future in achieving social justice in South Africa.

Yours in soiidarity

Carlos MontalvoOn behalf of the Executive Committee

Rodin Genoff Director

0

oIRISH ANTI-APARTHEID MOVEMENT

/ 20 Qeechpark Road. Foxrock. Oubiin Id Tai. 01-89503^

20 FEBRUARY 1989

SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL ON SPORT

On behalf of the Executive Committee of this Movement and on my own behalf, it gives me,|, great pleasure to send you our greetings on the ' occasion of your Congress. Since your last|^ meeting, we have achieved significant victories q against the forces of racism and national oppres- c Sion in sport, culminating in the recent decision of the International Cricket Conference to restrict fmercenarycricket.

cricketers from international testg

Our Movement has watched with great interest the deve lopm ent and s treng then ing o ff- democratic sports bodies in South African and we join all those who desire a united and deter-

mined effort to create alternative structures for the people of South Africa. You q have the important duty of extending sports facilities and a sense of democratic participation to so many people deprived of this by the apartheid regime and yi those commercial and political forces which support them.

In our work, we co-operate very closely with Sam Ramsamy and SAN-ROC^' who has inspired us to maintain our position which, for over 20 years, has en- q sured that no racist team from South Africa has soiled our shores in Ireland f (slow, we must assist all South African sportswomen and men who want to create the democratic space and structures, the peoples’ structures, as alter- natives to apartheid’s repression and violence.

The racists have no answers to the peoples' demands except the gun, the sjam­bok and the prison-cell. The initiative lies with the forces of liberation, in sport as in every sphere of South African life. Good luck to your endeavours. We salute you.

KADER ASMAL •CHAIRMAN

A u s t r a l i a n t lT im l j e r l ^ o r t e s * ^ n i o nSOOTH AUSTRALIAN BRANCH

Rcfistcfed under the Cominonweakh Concilatioo tad Artkrtrttioo Act. 1904 « 1920Secretar>- T.W. SMITH PHONE 211 A324

Registered Office; TRADES HALL 11-16 SOUTH TERRACE ADELAIDE S.A. 5001

®10 FEBRUARY 19890Mr C Clarke

® General Secretary South African Council on Sport

']]PO Box159 ‘ Athlone 7760 SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Comrade

The A.T.W.U. congratulates you and your Council on 15 years of operation.

We extend to you our greetings of solidarity and support, and commend you on your ongoing opposition to apartheid in both sport and social life.

Without such opposition the condonation of apartheid in all spheres of life will continue to flourish with the political and social implications being felt throughout the world.

CV

i :0

Yours in solidarity

On behaif of the A.T.W.U. 1 wish you every success in your forthcoming 8th Biennial General Meeting and your future activities.

le T.W. Smith

State Secretary

A.T.W.U. -SA BRANCH

Australian Peace Committ<South Australian Branch

TRADES HALL, 11-16, SOUTH TERRACE, ADELAIDE.VI o t-P rcs 1 A tn u IPHONE: 212 7138.

President I A. Aarklay, SecrctAryi P. hsqIU . Auitr»U«n Peftce ConrdttM,Si ported By IUrutAd mdes and Labor Qauncil

Pht 271 1652 Ph: 212 7121

A ro ld L.M.P.Bievtna P. DurK«n P. Gregory H.Ji L « f«h itn S .N .

u v y X.

Pieklca C. M aatbarail Q.

Mr Colin Clarke 17 FEBRUARY 1989General Secretary, SACOS P 0 Box 159ATHLONE 7760, SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Mr Clarke

The members of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Peace Comff tee have requested that I send to you, on their behalf, a message of sincf greetings and solidarity on the occasion of the 8th Biennial General Meet'' on 15 April.

Over the 15 years of your existence we have become aware of the tremendo effort which has been consistently made by the members of your organisat'! in the struggle to achieve non-racial sport, despite the pressures of the ' famous Apartheid regime.

In 1981, some of our members were privileged to attend meetings address* by one of your patrons. Rev Arnold Stofile, and his quiet, clear explanation the situation left us in no doubt that there can be no real equality or non-raC sport whilst Apartheid exists. Only with the removal of the Apartheid regin’ when non-racial justice applies both on and off the sport arenas, can equa* in sport exist.

As people concerned to attain a decent, peaceful existence for all humankif we believe that we must do what we can to end the Apartheid system, sincf is founded upon the exploitation of one group of people by another, and is kS in place by the force of arms and terror. At all times we take steps to lobby O' government to ensure that Australia takes a firm and correct stand against lih' with Apartheid. We endeavour to attain the situation where all sporting, c' tural and economic ties are cut whilst Apartheid remains.

WE send you the warmest of greetings for your 8th Biennial Meeting and wish you well in your deliberations. We look forward to learning of yo' decisions at a later date, and we assure you of our ongoing support.

With best wishes

Yours in Peace

Ron Barklay State President

THE UNITED TRADES & LABOR COUNCILVatc 9nc the Australian CaurwjiintTrnoc i;n<nna OF $.A.tr a d e s HALL, n -16 s o u th TCE.. ADELAIDE SOOO TEL.:2i2 3iSS

Aadr»ts all corraapondancato the Secretary. TELEX: AA 87562 J.K.LESSES.SECRETARV

17 FEBRUARY 1989

Mr C ClarkeGeneral SecretarySouth African Council on SportP 0 Box 159, ATHLONE SOUTH AFRICA 7760

Dear Mr Clarke

The United Trades and Labor Council of South Australia, representing 400,000 workers, expresses its support for your organisation and ii? work.

It is vital that the oppressive system of Apartheid in South Af. ica is totally denounced and destroyed.

Only a truly non-racist South Africa should be given representation in interna­tional sports arenas, and it is organisations such as yours that make this a pos­sible dream.

We wish you success in this struggle and will continue to support campaigns of your and other organisations in Australia to rid the world of this repugnant system.

Yours sincerely

JKLesses SECRETARY

V S Heron PRESIDENT

jA m a lgam atcb J |o o tb e a r anb t e x t i le ^K o rk c rs |53nioii

o f A u s t r a l ia , ^ o u t h A u s t r a l ia n P r a t ic l |(3«ct>tpor»ti«g tl|e ^ortljcrii ®erritorg)

2ikJ f l o o r , t r a d e s HALL, 11 16 SO U TH TERRA CE, ADELAIDE, S,A. 5000Telephone: (08) 23L

(08) 2313int Socretnries' BURfCE, L. SPACEMAN

17 FEBRUARY 1989

Mr C R ClarkeGeneral SecretarySouth African Council on Sport

Dear Mr Clarke

The South Australian Branch of the AF&TWU fully supports you in your O' deavours to oppose apartheid in sport and society and commends your unl‘ ing effort to achieve your goal for a non-racial South African nation.

I trust you will have a successful biennial general meeting.

Keep up the fight.

Yours fraternally

L J Spackman Joint Secretary

John Majola and Ashley Mthembu of the TENNIS ASSOCIATION OFSOUTH AFRICA.

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Mr Y Ebrahim Acting President

Comrades in sport,Certain developm ents have resulted in SACOS being sub­jected to tension of an abnormal nature. For this reason, I have been compelled to focus on events from a different perspec­tive.

There are numerous problems confronting the future functioning of SACOS and these must be tackled and resolved if the or­ganisation is to fulfil its true potential. That task rests not only in the hands of a fe\« but also that of every single person who has chosen to be part of the non-ra- cial sports movement in South Africa.

If in some respects, therefore, the comments which follow appear to some to be harsh or overly critical then it is because I feel we need to be forthright with each other in order to find the proper solutions. I trust, furthermore, that everyone concerned will accept my comments in the same comradely man­ner in which 1 offer them.

Some of the problems confronting SACOS have not emanated directly from the camp of the rulers. They are largely of our own making. This means that even though we may then be able to find answers to those problems far more quickly, the implementation of solutions may in all probability be infinitely more painful. But, it is a necessary process for us to go through and I trust we shall all be equal to the task.

When the government imposed a national state of emergency on the 12th June 1986 many people predicted that it would be with us for a long time. That has certainly proved to be true for it is now in its 34th month of existence and all the indications are that it is likely still to remain in operation for a considerable

period of time. This much was actually confirmed when just over two week ago the Minister of Law and Order, Adriaan Vlok, was quoted as saying tha’ "the state of emergency was still very necessary as the revolutionary climate was unacceptably high".

Subsequent thereto various members of parliament were quick to provide en­dorsement for the continuation of the state of emergency. Their justification for its retention was that it helped the government protect and save lives o' thousands and safeguard property worth millions of rands. It was even sug­gested that the emergency had to be maintained as it was to the benefit of al' the "peace-loving citizens of South Africa".

dcrerethwnicidh

The bitter irony of all this is that neither the Minister nor any of his cohorts have seen fit to draw attention to any of the destructive effects which the emergen­cy has unleashed on the oppressed. The only conclusion to be drawn frorf this silence is that they are not opposed to the emergency creating havoC amongst the oppressed.

In fact, although they will never admit it publicly, this is precisely the effect theV want it to have. This is borne out by their absolute indifference to the fact that over 30 000 people, according to unofficial but quite reliable sources, have been arbitrarily detained without permitting them immediate access to lawyers It seems to matter little to the minister and his fellow parliamentarians (the dummy variety included) that detainees are being treated as ordinary criminals even though they have not been charged nor even been found guilty of any of­fence by a court of law.

Tbl(ct

Similarly also, it appears that it is of little consequence to them that detentions are becoming a norm in South African society. It is equally apparent that they have bfeen left virtually unmoved by the fact that vast numbers of young peopl® in their teens (which according to certain reliable sources is estimated to be s few thousand) have been subjected to the traumatic experience of prison life merely because of their opposition to the government’s political policies.

The South African government is forever blowing its own trumpet. Daily it tries to convince us and the outside world that it places a high premium on uphold­ing democracy. This campaign of deceit it implements through the vasj propaganda machinery that it has at its disposal. But, in spite of all its verba' efforts it has failed miserably in proving by its actions that it is in truth com­mitted to the concept of democracy. Most of us who have experienced at first hand the brutal face of the state of emergency can testify to the fact that to the South African government democracy is in certain instances synonymod® with oppression.

On numerous occasions the observation has been made that the rulers ar® facing a severe crisis. Whatever p< litical schemes they have attempted to foiS‘ on the oppressed have met with such intense opposition that they have beef

doomed to failure. On the economic front their policies have also not produced results which were any better. Their political and economic policies have resulted in South Africa being driven closer to the borders of economic ruin than ever before. Millions, if not billions of rands, have been and are still being wasted. Theft, fraud, maladministration and downright incompetence are run­ning rampant within the ranks of public administration. From the lowest offi­cial to that of the highest, it appears that corruption is virtually the order of the day. What we are witnessing is political and economic skullduggery of the highest order.

The tri-cameral parliamentary system has on occasions been described as being a circus. This description is certainly very close to the mark when one looks at the findings of the Commission which enquired into the activities of certain persons in the House of Delegates. Is it really such a surprise to anyone then that the political schemes of the government do not have any credibility at all? Moreover, those who seek to represent us certainly do not enjoy our respect nor recognition of any nature whatsoever nor can they ever hope to win same.

In much the same way one can only shake one’s head in total disbelief at the events surrounding a certain businessman named Vermaas. This particular person, the Harms Commission of Enquiry indicated, appeared to have been involved in various financial transactions which were of a criminal nature and consequently referred the matter to the Attorney-General of the Transvaal for him to consider the institution of criminal proceedings. It is now public knowledge that after initially charging Mr Vermaas with certain criminal offen­ces the Attorney-General then very surprisingly decided to withdraw those same charges.

Certain people have been prepared to give the Minister of Justice some credit for intervening and in having fresh charges of fraud involving millions of rands brought against Vermaas. But, this comedy of errors does not in any way en­gender faith in the legal system on the part of the oppressed and exploited. How can we be expected to have any faith when the system works differently towards us. Our comrades are arrested virtually daily, detained without ap­pearing in court and then forced to spend long periods in prison - their release being entirely dependent on the untested decision of one or other policeman. In the case of Vermaas though we have the situation where despite him having been accused of defrauding people of at least thirty million rand, he is never­theless allowed to roam freely in society until his trial. Surely he more than most other individuals would have ample reason to abscond and should have been kept in prison. The impression such a situation creates is that justice is being administered selectively.

For as long as injustice, discrimination and exploitation in whatever forms prevail for so long will there be opposition to the rulers and whoever succeeds or replaces them and their collaborators. No amount of rationalising on the part of anyone can remove the distrust that the oppressed have of the prevail­ing political, economic and judicial systems.

They experience the harsh and discriminatory face of these daiiy and cannC fail to conciude that in the eyes of the government the interests of those wh‘ are classified as so-called "white" are paramount to that of the rest of th‘ population. Small wonder then that the revolutionary climate in this country i' so high.

P(mtoatP'

in recent months there have been a number of initiatives emanating from th< oppressed on both the political and sports fronts. Although many may nO agree with some of these developments it has to be conceded that it involve' issues which affect us all. It is important, therefore, that we analyse what i‘ taking place so that we may properly understand what the rationale is behind certain proposais and why it is that certain avenues of contact are being pUi sued. Even if our discussions on these issues centred only on the question o whether we are on the correct path or whether we should be on a path th^ others want us to follow, it would be a more than useful exercise.

V\dir0tlc

We have the right to speak out and also to be involved in issues which affeC our future. Anyone who truiy subscribes to democracy cannot deny us th^ right. What we need to guard against, however, is that we do not allow ours® ves to be motivated by malice and at the same time we must ensure that oO criticisms are constructive. By so doing no one could accuse us of conduct ing ourselves in a manner which may be construed as undermining the ovef all struggle for the liberation of the oppressed and exploited people of thi-‘ country.

One such issue which needs to be addressed is that which relates to the ques tion of whether we should be working with certain individuals and organist tions. SAGOS has committed itself in recent years to a policy of non-colTabor^ tion and because of this we have asked our comrades in struggle to not onl) have regard for, but also to respect, our stance in relation to this policy. have endeavoured also, whilst conducting the sports struggle, to ensure th^ we do not voluntarily work with individuals who serve in any of th government’s political structures whether at parliamentary or lower level.

Furthermore, we have refused to give recognition, either explicitly or implicii ly, to people who actively advocate direct political participation in those struts tures. This approach has been widely endorsed in most quarters of th liberatory movement. In fact the policy of non-collaboration was primarily responsible for the failure of the government to gain any measure of succe^ with its elections when it sought to foist the tri-cameral parliamentary constiti* tion on the oppressed.

Moreover, anyone who researches the history of SAGOS will be able to esta^ lish that in line with this policy we have effectiveiy prevented a number of peop' who collaborated with the government from being members of our organist tions.

in certain quarters it has recently been advocated that we should work with 3' those who have expressed their opposition to apartheid even though such

people may be operating within the constitutional structures of the govern­ment. This was precisely the issue that confronted us when we were invited to attend the Anti-Apartheid Conference scheduled for September 1988. We are all aware that this conference could not take place because of the ban im­posed by the State at the eleventh hour.

We need to discuss this situation as it holds serious ramifications for the future direction of the sports struggle. To adopt such a change will mean a re-defin­ing of the parameters within which we function as well as altering our stance on the policy of non-collaboration. We need to express ourselves clearly so that our members know whether we have accepted such a fundamental change in policy or not.

Then, too, we need to be reminded that we have a duty to defend and uphold decisions which have been democratically arrived at until such time as they are reversed by democratic means. The unfortunate, and at times acrimonious, debates which are provoked by unjustified and ill-considered criticism in public forums and in the news media certainly do not strengthen our organisation or further our cause. Such destructive debates create uncer­tainty in the minds of our general membership and lead to valuable time and energy being wasted. More than that it plays directly into the hands of the rulers and the other reactionary forces and allows them to capitalise on and exploit whatever differences of opinion we have with one another and in the process turn us against each other.

I must also express my concern at the lack of respect and allegiance which is being shown rather too frequently of late towards SACOS. Again it appears that this stems from disagreement on certain issues. I recognise that each af­filiate here generally has a position on most matters. That position may at a certain stage, however, be contrary to the decision arrived at by SACOS after debate at this level. Clearly the situation which thereafter prevails where the decision of the affiliate places it at variance with that of SACOS has to be redressed.

Logic as well as the democratic process demands that we cannot allow an af­filiate or any persons to insist on their right to publicly differ from a decision which has been approved of by the majority of our affiliates. Most unfortunate­ly there have been occasions where the failure to honour this position has caused severe embarrassment to the organisation.

I would like the delegates to take note of this problem and to compare what is being suggested with the situation which prevails inside their own organisa­tions. Would any of the affiliates allow one of their provincial units to deliberate­ly refuse to honour or to publicly distance itself from a decision taken by the affiliate? I dare say not. Why then should the situation in SACOS be any dif­ferent? I trust that we all shall recognise the vital need for us to maintain or­ganisational discipline if we are to withstand the ever-increasing onslaught on non-racial sport.

A matter of equal concern which suddenly surfaced in the past few weeks wa-Th the surprising contention that SAGOS had no right to speak on matters affed'Ve ing individualcodes of sport. It was even suggested that any initiatives toward- 9c the attainment of unity within a particular code of sport were the sole preserv^^h of that affiliate. SAGOS, therefore, could not be involved in similar initiative^ b? unless such affiliate expressly agreed. On the other hand, however, it wa being postulated that the same strictures did not apply to other organisation^ 0 who were not directly involved with sport. tic

PIThis criticism, which I am sure is an isolated one, in effect means that SAGOS ot cannot speak on sport at all. If this contention were to be correct then we migh' as weil ask that the organisation close down since it would not be able to ad' v; dress itself to any of the problems confronting non-racial sport. I hope that th® ci authors of this proposition realise just how absurd it would be to persist witl 1 this idea.

inWe have never professed to hold a monopoly on initiatives to forge unity withif’ 's the ranks of oppressed sportspersons Nor have we denied other progressive jc organisations of the people the right to seek to attain such unity. What we have |c said though is that SAGOS, as the recognised representative of non-racial spod in this country, must actively be involved in such unity talks and must be aC' corded the recognition which everyone says it enjoys.

From what I understand I do not think that any of our comrades within progres­sive organisations have ever postulated the exclusion of SAGOS and I trust that our own members will not continue to do so either.

Given the validity of the proposition that things are constantly in a state of fluX. it should be clear to most that the tactics we adopt today may not necessari­ly hold good for tomorrow. In the same way the strategies currently employed by the rulers may not, and probably will not, be the same next month or the month thereafter or next year. f

Over the years changing circumstances have on numerous occasions neces­sitated a change in strategy and tactics on our part. In various instances it may not always have been of a nature that all of us wanted or agreed with entirely- It certainly is correct that we have not easily discarded or changed any of the progressive principles which have guided us over the years. That we have not done so is because we have recognised that certain prevailing circumstances have dictated that the sports struggle has had to be conducted from a par' ticular premise. Yet, even if there is a grain of truth in the accusation that SACOS is resistant to change such a situation cannot justify seeking a solution by the establishment of alternative organisations or other outside structures without a direct link to SAGOS. It is understandable, therefore, that our members should have expressed concern at the establishment of the National Sports Gongress. We have not denied their right of existence but we have questioned the validity and sense of two organisations serving the same constituency and operating in the same terrain.

ifThe National Sports Congress has assured us that they do not see themsel- t'ves as rivals to SACOS and have also acknowledged our position as the or- Ifganisation representing non-racial sport. The responsibility now rests with fCthem to operate in a complementary manner to SACOS and to avoid a conflict iS between ourselves and them, ifi5 Our approach still is that those who desire to see change within the organisa­

tion should accept that the forum in which the motivation for this needs to take place, if it is to have the desired effect, is here and not in outside arenas or

$ other organisations and even the press, itj. Various attacks are being launched on SACOS by some of the political tenden- g cies. I concede the right of people to criticise. However, such criticism must fi always be constructive otherwise they lay themselves open to the charge that

their actions could lead to antagonisms and possibly divisions instead of creat­ing unity. Critics should realise that any public attacks on one of our affiliates

fi is also an attack on SACOS itself. Why can these criticisms not be conveyed g to us in a comradely manner and in forums where discussions can take place g forthrightly without it deveioping into an open fight in public? Such conflict be-

tween organisations of the oppressed create unnecessary and bitter an- V tagonisms and divisions which only serve to benefit the rulers.

On a few occasions some people have displayed an attitude which in my opinion does not reflect an understanding of how democracy should operate. They have adopted an intransigent approach on issues and refused to con­sider the validity of any other arguments which were presented. This has left one with the distinct and most unfortunate impression that no matter how cogently certain viewpoints may be presented it wili never receive acceptance simpiy because it does not accord with their views or those they want the or­ganisation to accept. This kind of approach cannot be condoned. Should we do so, it may very well lay us open to the accusation that we have chosen to practise democracy selectively.

There is much talk of preparing ourselves for alternative sport and alternative values in a post-apartheid society. If those ideals are to become reality then we should already now begin to inculcate within others and ourselves those values which must perforce prevail if the new society is to be free of oppres­sion, injustice and all forms of discrimination and exploitation.

SACOS is generally confronted by an unsympathetic and, in many instances even, a hostile news media. Television and the radio, with some minor excep­tions, are as we know controlled by the government. Most, if not aii, of the daily newspapers are under the control of a few publishing monopolies. Over­all, despite its many criticisms of the government and its policies, the news media is by no means supportive of SACOS in particular and non-racial sport in general.

The reason for this is obvious. Virtually almost all of the news media (and here

h °P lI am referring primarily to the various editorial boards) is part of the establish' uni ment. Consequently it is not truly committed to the standpoint that only a ve^ bg, fundamental change in the political system ofthis country will satisfy the aspif^ aci tions of the oppressed and exploited. Their approach is that the present poli J ca cal system is capable of and should be reformed. Our experience has shoW'' otf us, however, that apartheid can never be reformed but must be destroyed roO' and branch together with all other forms of political discrimination ah i yy, economic exploitation. pn

, tuiIt comes as no surprise, therefore, that non-racial sport is treated by the new’ ot media as being virtually non-existent. The few reports that appear are often ih' sti accurate, badly presented and not intended to promote SACOS and its a*' cg filiates. On the other hand, every sports item which serves to promote racis' cf sport is given extensive coverage and reported in the best possible light. or

, diRebel tours are presented to the public as being the accepted solutions fo' South Africa’s sports problems, those sportspersons who have been lureo -ri here by means of vast financial incentives are portrayed as principled and polity th cally sincere. Invariably and quite obviously it just so happens that they holO oi the view that multi-national sport and racist South Africa are being treated mos* rg unfairly by the rest of the world. If such individuals were really as politically o honest as they would like us to believe why has it been necessary for racis* si sport to have bribed them to come here. In many cases the monetary bribes tj have been in the vicinity of R100 000 and even more. o

In the face of this kind of biased reporting it is understandable that we shouk) look to the alternative press to provide us with the support whichis so badlV lacking from the rest of the news media. But, sadly, that support has not beef as forthcoming from all quarters as one would have expected. I appreciate that even among newspapers of the alternative press each have a particular editorial policy which is influenced by certain political standpoints. However, that should not lead to a position where bias is displayed against SACOS be­cause one or other editor or reporter holds a political viewpoint which is a* variance with certain policies of SACOS.

In doing so such newspapers deal with us on almost the same basis as do those of the ruling class press. I look forward to this situation changing so tha* it benefits not only non-racial sport but the liberatory struggle in general. Those newspapers who have chosen to champion the cause of the oppressed must concede the vital role SACOS fulfills and provide us with the support we right­ly deserve.

If we all subscribe to the view that we are confronted by a common enemy then we should recognise that support for one another within the ranks of the op­pressed is an absolute necessity. Anything less plays directly into the hands of the enemy and benefits them exclusively.

Now more than ever is there a real need for us and all the organisations of the

oppressed to be united in our opposition to the policies of the rulers. It is a unity which has to be forged by means of word and deed and on a principled basis. Unity amongst the progressive forces of the oppressed will not be

i achieved without concerted effort. To suggest otherwise would be naive. Nor can unity come about whilst there is a jockeying for position so that one or other of the organisations may be allowed to gain the ascendancy.

We must recognise too that the differences which presently keep certain of the progressive organisations of the people apart are varied and of a serious na­ture. But, a working relationship will have to come about if the oppressed (and obviously that includes all of us) are to have a greater chance of success in the struggle which we are waging for our liberation. It is because of the differen­ces between the political tendencies and for other cogent reasons that we have chosen the path of non-alignment. If we were now to align ourselves to any one of the tendencies we would contribute towards an exacerbation of those divisions.

The need for greater unity within our own ranks must also be addressed. In the last few years we have allowed ourselves to become unnecessarily divided on certain issues and then carried over those divisions into our everyday relationships with each other. This general council meeting and certain of our other forums are available for us to discuss, analyse and criticise whatever is­sues come up for debate. Such discussions, if they are to bear real fruit, should take place on a basis where there is mutual respect and recognition for each other’s view.

We do not deny others the right to hold viewpoints which differ from ours. We recognise the individual’s right to freedom of speech. I must caution, however, that in recognising freedom of speech it does not follow that we have to provide our enemies or others whose motives are suspect, with a platform from which to launch attacks on us. By the same token those who seek to attack us must realise that we have a right to defend ourselves. And this we shall certainly do. We are not beyond criticism but what we do ask is that it must be fair and con­structive and, even more importantly, presented in a comradely manner.

Over the past 16 years SACOS has built up a proud record. One which has been born directly out of struggle. During this period we have been actively involved in all the campaigns of the oppressed for the elimination of discrimina­tion in sport. We have succeeded, in the face of tremendous odds, in estab­lishing non-racial sports organisations committed to the propagation of non­discrimination and non-racialism in sport and society. Each and every attempt by the government and the racial sports organisations to dupe us and the out­side worid into accepting cosmetic changes in sport has been exposed and vigorously opposed by us.

This has led directly to SACOS being recognised by all the progressive forces here and abroad as the sports wing of the liberatory movement. Indeed, our position as the recognised organisation representing non-racial sport has once again been confirmed by everyone. This is clearly borne out by the contents

of all the messages of support which have been sent to us for this bienrH' general meeting and have been annexed to in this secretarial report. Why thf should certain people now suddenly question the credentials of SACOS?

Racist sport, like its mentor and protector - the South African government, * under severe pressure both internally and abroad. It is finding it increasing, difficult to survive despite the availability of millions of rands for the promotiO' of racist sport. This situation has to be utilised by us to the full. But, we c3 only do so successfully if we act as a united force and concentrate our effort against our common enemy, the discriminatory and exploitative South Africa' political and economic system.

The goals we, and the liberatory movement as a whole, are striving for encoft^ pass noble ideals. We recognise that the new society which has to be estate lished must be one free of all forms of discrimination, economic exploitatic^ and political oppression. It will also have to be founded on the concepts o' justice and democracy for all. Let me state very clearly that our concepts o democracy and justice are vastly different from those practised by the State

We should not permit the nobility of those ideals to be diminished by unneceS' sary internal strife nor by the way we conduct ourselves in seeking to attaii them. We need to be proud of ourselves and our liberation when it has bee(' achieved. Let each or us then commit ourselves to being active contributors towards the attainment of those ideals in a liberated and new South Africa.

Y EBRAHIM

ACTING PRESIDENT March 18, 1989

SECRETARIAL REPORTComrade Acting President, Feilow Officials and delegates:

For some time now there have been signs of serious tensions within the South African Council on Sport. Tensions which, unless resolved, will seriously affect the morale of the hundreds of thousands of non-racial sportspersons and their supporters. I nvariably too, the powerful tool of the isolation of racist sport from international competi­tions will be blunted. Divisions will be created in

the non-racial sports movement - built up painstakingly over the past sixteen years under the banner of SACOS.

The source of the tension, or at least part of it, emanates from calls made in­side and outside the organisation for it to change some of its adopted policies. Policies which are ostensibly perceived to be the main reason why some of the SACOS affiliates have not been able to extend their base amongst the majority of the oppressed and exploited people.

In addition, criticism of the organisation from groups or organisations within the oppressed community has been fueled by the spreading of deliberate dis­information, half truths and misrepresentations of policy intent. This has been done in attempts to influence the policy directions of SACOS or to accelerate the pace of changes in existing policy.

Severe State repression, highlighted by a virtually permanent State of Emer­gency and the banning of democratic people’s organisations, have seriously limited the avenues through which the masses can democratically analyse political developments in the country. Sport, religion and other cultural ac­tivities are some of the few remaining.

There is no doubt that over the sixteen years of its existence SACOS has through its policies and campaigns made a significant contribution in isolating racist sport internationally. The sacrifices made by our sportspersons and the discipline displayed by them also greatly contributed to the struggle for libera­tion in this country. These facts have been acknowledged by all progressive peoples organisations in the country and SACOS has been acknowledged as the sportswing of the liberatory struggle.

It must be borne in mind that during the 60’s and 70’s there was also severe political repression. Since our inception in 1973, many sports administrators who had not had the benefit or experience of serious political analysis, were

called upon to plot the direction of non-racial sport independent of any politi' cal organisation or tendency. It is a fact too that the policies adopted bV - SACOS to counter racist sport had social effects outside the sports movement.

The re-emergence of progressive community organisations in the 80’s gave rise to a situation where the policies of SACOS came under close scrutiny bV these organisations.

At this stage, I must stress that our records and actions since inception clear­ly indicate that SACOS respects all political tendencies and has committed it­self to work with all of them.

Since 1980 when the policies of SACOS were not in tandem with the percep­tions or direction of any given political tendency accusations of alignment to the one or other tendency were made.

Private political affiliations of individuals serving in key positions in the organisa­tion have also been used to ascribe or prove alignment of the organisation. Every course of action taken by SACOS over the past few years have come under scrutiny.

In attempts to create divisions in our ranks the ruling class press have exploited these issues. Tragically "community" newspapers, publications and pamphlets have been used to distort the intent of SACOS or to attempt to im­pose a particular ideological stance on the organisation.

Within SACOS and its affiliates misrepresentations and half-truth are presented as fact to prove that the organisation is in fact aligned to a political tendency.

So, for example, it emanates from reports of meetings of affiliates, key-note ad­dresses at meetings and various publications, that the DOUBLE STANDARDS RESOLUTION isa creation of the NEW UNITY MOVEMENT and by continuous­ly applying it SACOS and its affiliates are by implication guilty of furthering the aims of that organisation. This is a deliberate distortion of the facts and destruc­tive.

During 1976 the various congresses of the ruling Nationalist Party discussed and accepted a "new" sports policy which would allow "racially" integrated sport at club level under strictly prescribed conditions. During the 1977 par­liamentary session. Dr Piet Koornhof, then Minister of Sport, announced this policy as law. Great confusion was caused in the ranks of non-racial sports organisations. Many sports administrators and players believed that the Koornhof Policy was what they had sacrificed for and that multi-national sport was acceptable.

Mr Hassan Howa, then President, the late Mr M N Pather and Mr Abe Adams on the 6th April 1977 prepared the following statement for release: ♦

Collection Number: AG3403 Collection Name: Non-racial Sports History Project, Transvaal

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