Sport and politics

Press, 30 August 1989, Page 20

Sport and politics

Sir,—Varian J. Wilson (August 25) should clearly understand that facts are facts and cannot be changed merely to support his views about South Africa. He may know something about Fiji, but that does not automatically make him an authority on other countries. In claiming that I fraternised with the deprived, he introduced class distinction, something I totally reject. To me, black or white, rich or poor, they are all human beings and deserving of an opportunity in life. Black families in Soweto who serve tea from pure gold tea services, or run thoroughbreds bought at the Trentham sales are not deprived. Neither are the happy old ladies with whom I talked at the “water hole.” They would not have life any other way, even although they may not choose to do things our way. In suggesting that I was shepherded around by officials, Mr Wilson has been misled by Marxist propaganda. His claim is groundless.—Yours, etc., BERT WALKER. August 26, 1989.