Ashwin Willemse

Ashwin Willemse during a previous interview. Photo: Twitter/Archives

Ashwin Willemse ‘racism’ case closed for surprising reason

A surprising reason has been cited for the Human Rights Commission closing the case involving Ashwin Willemse.

Ashwin Willemse

Ashwin Willemse during a previous interview. Photo: Twitter/Archives

This past week it was confirmed that the Human Rights Commission has finally closed the racism case involving former Springbok Ashwin Willemse and SuperSport.

The incident, involving fellow rugby analysts Nick Mallett and Naas Botha, took place on 19 May 2018 after a Super Rugby match between the Lions and Brumbies.

Following the walk out, Willemse accused the duo of undermining him.

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An independent investigation cleared Mallett and Botha in July 2018, but Willemse brought the matter before the HRC, who in 2019 confirmed they were investigating the matter as the former Springbok insisted his SuperSport studio walk out was brought about by racism.

Yet, the commission has now stated that Willemse failed to respond to questions related to the investigation, ultimately leading to the case being closed.

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Willemse felt there was always a case to be answered to

Willemse opted not to participate in the initial independent investigation that found that there was no underlying racism that led to the incident.

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In an interview with eNCA back in 2018, Willemse said he stands by his initial beliefs.

‘I fundamentally believe that this issue was rooted in racism. And I would like this to be dealt with at an appropriate forum, or appropriate manner,’ he said.

‘I’m very confident in the Human Rights Commission … it’s an institution that is wholly responsible for the custodianship of human rights and human rights-related violations and issues … the promotion thereof within South Africa and the democratic dispensation of South Africa.

‘My confidence stems not from necessarily my position or the situation but it stems from the foundation of our liberation as a democratic, non-sexist, non-racist society equal in opportunities for all South Africans… our constitution is regarded as one of the best constitutions in the world.’

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