Threat to deport 'the Beast

[Alan]

This would be in line with the the Sports Act of 2007, Komphela said. "We have no problem with foreign nationals, but there should be conditions on their inclusion.

"The government is going to punish rugby. We are going to charge SA Rugby for fielding a foreign national without proper requirements. The portfolio committee has inquired as to why the Beast is still playing (for the Springboks) if he is a foreign national. If this is the case, then it is a contravention of the laws."

However, SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins denied there had been any violation of the laws, saying that Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile had "okayed" Mtawarira's inclusion in the Bok squad last year.

'I was obviously very excited and looked forward to playing'
Mtawarira, 24, is in the country on a skilled work permit obtained by the Sharks, but Komphela said permits allowing players to represent clubs did not permit their inclusion in national teams.

"They (the government) will deport Beast to Zimbabwe. He is here on a work permit and he is flouting that work permit... We have no problem with him playing for the Sharks... the Sharks keep on renewing his contract, but this doesn't mean he has acquired citizenship."

Home Affairs Department spokesman Siobhan McCarthy said that regardless of whether foreign nationals were in the country on work or study permits, or married to South Africans, it took five years before permanent residence could be applied for and a further five years for a citizenship application to be made.

However, applications for "exceptionally skilled" individuals - the visa which Tahir holds - could be speeded up.

Hoskins said he had met Mtawarira several times over the festive season and was preparing a presentation to the government.

"I remain positive about the situation. I do not believe that it (Mtawarira's inclusion in the Bok squad) is a lost cause."

Hoskins said it was possible that Stofile had not yet briefed Komphela on developments, but said he would meet Komphela in a few days and would inform him.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&click_id=4&art_id=vn20100112042554511C125720

*facepalm*

 

[Zyzzyva]

They must just get the necessary paperwork done, so this can stop.

It's not such a big deal.

 

[cybershark]

Now you see where the xenophobia stuff comes from.

 

[deweyzeph]

The key question here is should foreigners be allowed to play for a national team? Why has it taken so long for this issue to be raised?

 

[killadoob]

Actually i think it is rather shocking. HTF is he playing for us without the correct documents? How is someone who is not SA and not a citizen playing for us?

That surely cannot be allowed. I mean then we can just find players pop them in the team and who cares what country they come from.

 

[profpanda]

Ask Zuma to give him a presidential pardon and give him a passport!!

 

[deweyzeph]

They must just get the necessary paperwork done, so this can stop.

It's not such a big deal.

Why should a citizenship application be sped especially for him just because he's a great rugby player?

 

[profpanda]

Why should a citizenship application be sped especially for him just because he's a great rugby player?

He has been a great diplomat for us so why not?

 

[killadoob]

Why should a citizenship application be sped especially for him just because he's a great rugby player?

Dude seriously, he is a great rugby player and should get his paper work sped up.

This a national crisis .

 

[Morgoth]

Why should a citizenship application be sped especially for him just because he's a great rugby player?

because he brings more to the country then the average illegal Zimbabwean immigrant.

 

[deweyzeph]

What about every other foreigner working legally in South Africa patiently waiting their 5 years to get citizenship?

 

[Morgoth]

What about every other foreigner working legally in South Africa patiently waiting their 5 years to get citizenship?

are they ambassadors for South Africa?.

 

[AMG133]

eish, first they want more black guys in the squad, now his not legally black, what next.

 

[Albereth]

Trouble is that the Beast makes some of the locals look bad - he is actually prepared to work for his money and has skills. Too many of the local lot expect to be given money just becuase they demand.

 

[profpanda]

What about every other foreigner working legally in South Africa patiently waiting their 5 years to get citizenship?

If they have MAD skillz and the power to make 50 000 ppl stand and shout there name, by all means.

 

[Smooth Criminal]

are they ambassadors for South Africa?.

I thought one needed to be in possession of citizenship if is to be an ambassador? Otherwise we could all just pick a country and choose to be an ambassador for them.

eish, first they want more black guys in the squad, now his not legally black, what next.

He's not legally South African, unless you're inferring that we're all black?

 

[Ou grote]

How did NZ, Aus, France etc allow him in their countres if he's illegal?

 

[Morgoth]

I thought one needed to be in possession of citizenship if is to be an ambassador? Otherwise we could all just pick a country and choose to be an ambassador for them.

exactly why he needs citizenship.

 

[Morgoth]

How did NZ, Aus, France etc allow him in their countres if he's illegal?

 

[profpanda]

How did NZ, Aus, France etc allow him in their countres if he's illegal?

Good point.