EFF statement on racist Roland Schoeman’s bid to become Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture

4 August 2021

The EFF rejects and rebukes the attempts by confirmed racist Ronald Schoeman to ascend to the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture as opportunistic, and further evidence of the arrogance of white supremacy under the Cyril Ramaphosa regime.

Following in the footsteps of the illiterate and privileged leader of the official opposition John Steenhuisen, Schoeman has availed himself to be a Minister by directly appealing to their boy Ramaphosa, to flout internal democratic practice within his own party. He has appealed on Twitter and assumed public platform, campaigning to be appointed for no other reason but their racially motivated, and presumed competence.

The doper, who has been suspended from participating in official swimming competitions for using banned substances to enhance his performances, is emboldened by the fact that racism triumphs in South Africa under Ramaphosa, regardless of incompetence or criminality.

It was Schoeman who referred to Indian people as "monkey's" at the Common Wealth Games in India in 2010, and has on numerous occasions, including in his most recent bid to be a Minister, undermined transformation efforts in sports such as Cricket and Rugby.

We must face the reality that racists from all spheres of life, have been rejuvenated by Ramaphosa's term. They have acquired the confidence to hunt black people under his command in Phoenix, and now racists who use performance enhancers to steal glory, on top of their white privilege, are able to campaign to be Ministers outside of a democratic and electoral mandate from any collective.

The ruling party and its President are available for auction, to the point where a doping-racist is aware of a Cabinet reshuffle and effectively demands to be considered as part of the leadership of this country, with no track record of governance, leadership or grassroots struggle.

As the EFF, we reject Schoeman's bid to be a Minister as a racially motivated conclusion of ability to lead a nation of people with absolutely no track record of leading anywhere. It is nothing but white arrogance that must be condemned and rejected.

After the overwhelming response I’d like to share that I have formally written to @CyrilRamaphosa @PresidencyZA to offer my services. See attached for my letter. pic.twitter.com/qAnp2mVuAe

— Roland Schoeman (@Rolandschoeman) August 3, 2021

Issued Vuyani Pambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 4 August 2021