S.A. SURF BODY 'MULTI-RACIAL’

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32536, 20 February 1971, Page 48

S.A. SURF BODY 'MULTI-RACIAL’

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON.

Despite the apartheid policy of the South African Government, whites and non-whites have equal rights within the fabric of the South African Surf LifeSaving Association.

The association is a completely multi-racial one, its sole objective being the saving of human life. These points have been made by the secretary of the South African Association (Mr G. Botha) in reply to questions by .the New Zealand Surf Life-Saving Association.

The South African "LifeSaver of the Year” contest was given by Mr Botha as an instance of this. The South African law forbids multiracial contests and gatherings so the “Life-Saver of the Year” competition is held in two parts.

The prize in each case is 1000 rand, to be spent in equipment, on a fully-paid-up insurance policy, or on a deposit for land or a house. There is also a special blazer and a trophy. The 1970 winners were: Non-white section, M. Kathrada; white section, L. Raymond. FOR SERVICE It is emphasised that these prizes are for service. Neither of the recipients is a member of the present touring team, which was chosen on its competitive ability. It has already proved this by defeating South Australia in a contest conducted according to the international rules. Mr Botha has previously explained that whites and non-whites. have equal rights within his association. This means equal voice and vote, and equal assistance from the central body. 1