By Becker Semela:
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has taken a firm stand against alleged racist and sexist comments reportedly made by Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, calling the remarks “unacceptable, demeaning and completely out of line with the values of South Africa’s Constitution”.
In two formal letters sent this week to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the South African Football Association (SAFA), the UDM secretary general, Yongama Zigebe, requested an urgent investigation and strong corrective action against the national team coach.
The party said the statements, if confirmed, threaten the dignity of the individuals involved and undermine South Africa’s ongoing efforts to build a non-racial, non-sexist and respectful society.
The controversy comes after media reports suggesting that Broos told Bafana player Mbekezeli Mbokazi that “he is currently a black man, but he will come out white after,” allegedly in reference to a missed flight.
The coach also reportedly made remarks about Mbokazi’s agent, Basia Michaels, referring to her as “that little woman who is his agent who thinks she knows football, if she is a little bit clever.”
The comments sparked public outrage and triggered the UDM’s direct intervention.
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The comments show disrespect and reinforce harmful stereotypes
In the letter addressed to the SAHRC, Zigebe called the comments “racially suggestive” and “sexist utterances” which “demean the dignity of the individuals concerned and undermine the constitutional values that govern all public institutions, including national sports structures.”
The party stressed that South Africa’s Constitution is clear on discrimination. It cited Section 9, which prohibits unfair discrimination based on race, gender and other grounds and Section 10, which protects the right to dignity.
It cannot be swept under the carpet
Also, it referred to the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) that further prohibits conduct that humiliates, demeans or unfairly discriminates against anyone.
Zigebe stated that such remarks cannot be brushed aside as casual comments. “They carry historical and cultural significance in a society still healing from the institutionalisation of racism and sexism. National figures, especially those leading national teams, must uphold the highest standards of respect, equality and dignity.
The remarks damage football’s social role
The UDM emphasised that the effects of such comments go beyond individual harm. Football, described as one of the most unifying spaces for South Africans, cannot be a platform where discriminatory behaviour is tolerated.
The letter warned that racism and sexism “fracture social cohesion, normalise discriminatory attitudes and create hostile environments for athletes, staff members and supporters”. It stated that football has a unique role in building national unity and that any conduct that threatens this unity must be confronted directly.
Four key actions requested from the SAHRC
The UDM asked the SAHRC to urgently intervene and investigate the matter. Specifically, the party requested that the Commission initiate an independent investigation into the alleged statements made by Broos.
The Commission has to determine whether the remarks amount to unfair discrimination or hate speech under PEPUDA and the Constitution. It has to engage SAFA in its duty to promote non-racism and non-sexism in national teams. The SAHRC must issue recommendations and monitor SAFA’s compliance with the transformation and conduct guidelines.
The UDM said the Commission’s involvement may be necessary if SAFA fails to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
Accountability is non-negotiable
In a separate letter to SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao, the UDM Deputy President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa expressed the party’s “grave concern” and condemned the remarks as unacceptable, demeaning, and corrosive to the values of dignity, equality and respect.
Kwankwa emphasised that such comments must never be tolerated in a country still recovering from apartheid.
“Casual racial innuendoes and sexist put-downs carry a history and weight that go far beyond the moment of utterance,” Kwankwa said.
Call for apology, probe and anti-racism workshopping
He said that as UDM, they outlined clear expectations for SAFA and Bafana Bafana management to make a public apology. The party demanded that coach Broos issue an unambiguous public apology to Mbokazi, Michaels and the football community within seven working days.
The party wants SAFA to initiate an independent and transparent investigation, including publicising the terms of reference and the names of investigators for the probe. Pending the investigation, SAFA is asked to consider steps to protect team cohesion and those affected.
The party also called for compulsory anti-racism, anti-sexism and sensitivity training for all senior staff, coaches and players. Kwankwa warned that failure to act transparently would signal tolerance for discriminatory behaviour.
Legal framework decriminalises discrimination
UDM reminded SAFA that discrimination is not only unethical but also illegal. South African laws, such as the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act, prohibit racist or sexist conduct in the workplace and public institutions.
“Those in public sporting roles must comply with these laws and ensure safe, respectful environments for all participants,” Kwankwa said.
SAHRC confirms receiving the UDM complaint
When contacted for comment, the South African Human Rights Commission confirmed that it has received the letter from the UDM and is currently reviewing the matter.
“The South African Human Rights Commission acknowledges receipt of the complaint filed by the United Democratic Movement regarding remarks allegedly made by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. The Commission is assessing the correspondence in line with its processes and will determine the appropriate next steps.”
The SAHRC did not comment on timelines but assured that the matter is receiving attention.
Nothing short of decisive action
The UDM made it clear that it expects SAFA to take decisive action. Otherwise, if SAFA fails to respond appropriately, it will escalate the matter formally and pursue remedies under equality and labour laws.
“These steps are essential to protect players and staff, to preserve the moral authority of our national team and to signal clearly that racism and sexism will not be tolerated. Football has long been a space where South Africans from all backgrounds unite and therefore any behaviour that threatens that unity must be addressed urgently,” said Kwankwa. – @NewsSA _Online
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