Rugby tour could spark violence—S.A. churches

Press, 5 July 1985, Page 25

Rugby tour could spark violence—S.A. churches

By

PEKKA PAAVONPERA,

Australian Associated Press Durban The All Black rugby tour and the Australian rebel cricket tour of South Africa could lead to violence within South Africa, according to the general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, Dr Beyers Naude. “The situation here is so volatile that the tours could act as a spark. I sincerely hope not, but violence is a real possibility,” he said. Dr Naude said the Council

of Churches had decided last week to make a strong demand for cancellation of the tours, and he would like to make that plea again to the New Zealand Rugby Union and the organisers of the cricket tour. He said the vast majority of South Africans saw the tours as blatant support for the system of apartheid. Dr Naude also noted “that this tour will greatly increase the tensions and possibilities for confrontation in our already difficult situation.” “While sympathising with

sports organisations who have made sincere efforts to integrate sport, we believe that in the light of the longer crisis in our land at this time both these tours would be ill-advised and would be perceived by most of our people as acts of insensitivitv.” he said. Dr Naude said he felt that most members of the New Zealand Rugby Union and those connected with the rebel cricket tour knew what the situation in South Africa was, and therefore, they would be supporting it.