Memorable quotes from the late Rev Makhenkesi Stofile
These are some of the memorable quotes from the Rev Makhenkesi Stofile‚ who died on Monday morning in Alice‚ in the Eastern Cape‚ aged 72‚ after an illness.
February 2005
“We have called on the sport administrators to sacrifice a little bit in terms of wanting to win‚ because even when we field these lily-white teams we lose. We need to look at the broader values of a broader South African nation that is proud to be participating in the international fraternity. That is what is transformation.”
Stofile was speaking at the state of the nation debate in Parliament.
November 2007
“Quotas were used only for window dressing for international consumption. Those who have the money go and buy the players ... instead of developing the boys where they are.
“We must kill the myth that ... black people cannot play certain sporting codes because they are black‚” the minister told MPs on the decision to scrap the racial quotas for non-white players on the country’s rugby and cricket teams.
September 2009
“I think it would be the third world war. We will go to the highest levels in contesting such a decision. I think it would be totally unfair and totally unjust.
“The ministry feels let down by the way this matter is being handled by those with devious vested interest‚ especially after being promised a meeting with the IAAF leadership.
“No one doubts her gender anymore. Now the issue of the percentages of her gender; this is unethical and disgusting.”
Stofile was speaking after there were talks that the athletics governing body IAAF was considering banning athlete Caster Semenya because of questions about her gender.
October 2015
“He died on the day the Springboks were beaten by Japan. I see he was disgusted and he decided to go‚” Stofile said at the funeral of his brother Mike Stofile last year. Japan had beaten South Africa 34-32 in one of the greatest Rugby World Cup upsets ever.
December 2015
“I was not sure about the wisdom of sending an old man as Ambassador to such an important country. With hindsight I now understand the ANC´s choice. A veteran and senior politician is better placed to serve one’s country in faraway countries. The knowledge and experience acquired over decades equips one to be firm on principles and yet to be flexible in strategy and tactics.” Stofile made these remarks as he bid farewell to Germany where he was ambassador from 2011 to 2015
Tiso Black Star Group Digital