Ashwin Willemse

Ashwin Willemse during the infamous studio incident. Photo: Archives

Ahswin Willemse: Colleagues accuse SuperSport of racism in explosive letter

Big development.

Ashwin Willemse

Ashwin Willemse during the infamous studio incident. Photo: Archives

The Sunday Times reports that allegations of racism have been levelled against SuperSport management by at least four black presenters.

The letter, written by MVMT Attorneys, is now the subject of an investigation by law firm Webber Wentzel, according to the Sunday paper.

The letter comes just days after SuperSport’s investigation into the Willemse walkout was concluded, clearing Nick Mallet and Naas Botha of any wrongdoing.

Willemse hit back, saying that his claims of institutionalised racism at the channel was being “whitewashed”. He also claimed that he was threatened with the loss of his contract if he went to the Equality Court.

A spokesperson at SuperSport confirmed to the Sunday Times that the letter was received and denied that Willemse had been threatened. He said the investigation was “almost complete”.

The list of grievances levelled by the pundits include:

  • Discrimination
  • Lack of pay parity with white colleagues
  • alleged intimidation and victimisation.

The letter also states that SuperSport believed certain roles at the channel are “reserved for non-white pundits”. This was seemingly confirmed by SuperSport’s own investigation, with the full-report stating that black pundits should always operate the touchscreen.

The report noted that SuperSport “took the view that black analysts should be preferred to operate the touchscreen because of its sophistication and in order to undermine the publicly held view that they do not have the technical skill set or craft to operate sophisticated equipment”.

The letter also alleges “victimisation, public humiliation, abusive language, intimidation and other inappropriate management” and that white contractors are paid more than black contractors, who they believe are expected to do more work.

Read the full story on The Sunday Times.