Zola Budd

Press, 20 February 1988, Page 35

Zola Budd

Sir, — In reply to P. Chapman (February 10), Hart is not a world-wide organisation and has no jurisdiction over its English counterpart. The New Zealand movement was formed about 19 years ago, to oppose apartheid South Africa. For a number of reasons, it later became involved in anti-racism work in New Zealand. Other organisations exist locally to support, for example, Latin American causes and Australian Aboriginals. Some Hart people give assistance, as individuals, according to what their time and finance allows. Incidentally, the Israeli Government has supported the apartheid regime of South Africa. When the focus is on Christchurch, the local branch of Hart attempts to contact sportspersons by letter, sometimes hand-deliv-ered, hopefully to arrange a meeting to talk things through. Hart Aotearoa is listed in the telephone book and inquiries, including postal, are very welcome. — Yours, etc.,

KENNETH ELBER MARTIN. February 11, 1988.

Sir, —Kenneth Eber Martin (February 16) admonishes me that “there is a lot to get involved in locally.” I know, I was born here. All this fuss about one, talented, white, South African-born, young athlete. As far as I am concerned, they can all come — Gorbachev, Madonna, Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, King Kong, the lot — as long as they behave themselves. I welconie Zola Budd. I am no expert on South Africa — today’s “whipping boy” — having only been there three times, twice as a seafarer and, later, privately, plus occasional glimpses of other African countries, and all long ago. I cannot, in fairness, cross swords with Kenneth Eber Martin, whose possible expert, practical, first-hand South African experience is unknown to me. But I still maintain that Gleneagles is strictly for golf. — Yours, etc.,

JOHN LESLIE, February 16, 1988.