Issued by: Ministry of Sport and Recreation
Louis Luyt's departure from the centre-stage of South African rugby has ushered in a breath of fresh air for many rugby loving people here at home and abroad. His autocratic behaviour and outright arrogance as he presided over the fortunes of one of the country's most treasured assets was a painful embarrassment for rugby in particular and sport in general.
He shall be remembered more by the consistent manner in which he resited all efforts to take rugby across the threshold into the new era and the way in which he alienated this sport from the majority of our people. Under his autocratic leadership rugby deteriorated to a point where it had become a divisive instrument in the hands of a man who "will not bow to any man".
There is a great deal of work for the new administration. The pieces are scattered all over the place. They must be put together speedily in order to restore lost confidences and loyalties, including the morale of the players at all levels.
Development must not just be talked about. It must be seen to be done in a visible way that marks a break with the past autocratic one-man-show.
Once again, the courage of the executive members and the unions that terminated one of the saddest chapters in the history of rugby must be commended.
Issued by: STEVE TSHWETE MINISTER Date 10 May 1998.