EFF condemn racist media reporting on rugby coach arrested for possession of child pornography

24 March 2021

The EFF condemns the disgusting and racist media reporting, by News24 and the Citizen Newspaper, on former Grey High School rugby coach Dean Carelse's arrest for possession of child pomography in Australia.

These two news outlets inexplicably used the name and picture of Springboks rugby Captain SiyaKolisi, in the reporting of a heinous and despicable crime of a white individual when he had nothing to do with the matter and his only relationship with the man was that he once coached him in high school.

This is racist reporting in that these news outlets used the face of a black man sensationally, to gain traction, instead of reporting on the crimes of Carelse on their own. Kolisi as a black man became the bait, as criminality is associated with blackness, and the hard-earned success of SiyaKolisi must be somehow tainted by the actions of an individual with whose crimes he has no relationship with.

All in a day’s work! pic.twitter.com/5BynpqMfQd

— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) March 24, 2021

As the EFF, we have long lamented on the culture of anti-blackness of the media in South Africa, and the criminalization of SiyaKolisi is but a testament of a culture of hatred of black people in newsrooms, particularly those who have made something of their lives.

It is more important to note that News24 is under the stewardship of the racist AdriaanBasson, who has on repeated occasions expressed his condescension and disdain for black people who hold any form of stature on South African society.

We must put it on record that we have noted the silence of the factional and compromised SANEF, who jump at every opportunity to fight with the EFF, but too cowardly to condemn racist, sensationalist and profiling journalism.

News24 and the Citizen must issue public apologies for their racism and these must be accompanied by compensation for any trauma or hurt caused to SiyaKolisi and his reputation.

Their reposing was an affront not only to Kolisi, but all those who are inspired by his determination and success from the dusty townships of our country, black people in particular.

News24 and the Citizen must be condemned for trying to taint his name, and not reporting on the perversion that Dean Carelse is charged with, and holding him as a white man accountable on his own.

Issued Vuyani Pambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 25 March 2021