Never one to mince his words, National Assembly's controversial sports committee chair Butana Komphela now also wants to vomit on the Springbok jersey.

Komphela was commenting on a video clip which depicts the late Dr Danie Craven questioning the merits of the Springbok symbol in a multi-racial society.

"We, as the Springbok team, would not like to lose our identity, because the Springboks have always been associated with whites, the leopard, again, has been associated with the blacks. No one wants to lose his identity," Craven stated.

Komphela agreed with these sentiments, but added that the Springbok was a symbol for "white supremacy" and should be abolished indefinitely.

Dr Craven's remarks and widespread reaction against previous comments regarding the abolition of the Springbok was apparently enough for Komphela to back controversial Springbok flanker Luke Watson's now equally infamous statements. (Read the original story here!)

"I also feel like I want to vomit on the Springbok jersey," Komphela told the Cape Times.

Despite these feelings of disgust now, Komphela seemingly had no problem with the Springbok previously, and was even seen wearing a Bok jersey during the 2007 World Cup in France.

He was quick to refute this sentiment, however, saying "as a leader of the country you can't demoralise and rubbish them [the Springbok team]".

Furthermore, Komphela stated that Watson was being persecuted unfairly and that he (Watson) had already been tried by some rugby officials and various elements in the media, hence the need for Durban-based lawyer Dekker Govender to be approached to determine whether Watson should, in fact, face an inquiry or not.

Komphela was reacting to earlier comments by SA Rugby's head of legal affairs Christo Ferreira.

Ferreira told the media that if Watson was found guilty, he could face an array of sanctions, varying from a reprimand, to a R100 000 fine.

Watson is the son of Apartheid activist and former rugby player Daniel 'Cheeky' Watson, who has been outspoken about the need for the famous emblem to be binned.

It was expected that Govender would report back to SA Rugby on Wednesday, but a spokesperson stated that there were no further developments yet.

  • Read Watson's initial outburst here!

  • What are your thoughts on this latest development, especially Komphela's comments? Should the late Danie Craven be dragged into things?
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