Years ago Beast started playing for Natal Sharks academy. Then he played for the Sharks ultim ately and his progress and accolades pushed to selection to Springboks. Beast appeared as a speaker for Christ in his time . I read about his difficult times...but some technically prevented him from obtaining SA citizenship because he was a Zimbawean. We liked Beast at this time,
I don't know Tendai personally but brieffly attended a Christian meeting where he spoke amongst my local community. I became aware that his rugby career was hambered by red tape that disqualified him from being able to play rugby for SA because of red tape, him being a Zimbawean.
I felt strongly about this and wrote an email to 3 influential sources, namely Francois Pienaar, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu to help.
I got 3 responses, secretary of Madiba said he was too ill to help, Bishop Tutu 's secretary said she put it forward to him and Francois Pienaars secretary phoned me to ask me if I would receive a call from Francois at 1pm. Francois was reliable, we had quite a lengthy chat and he told me to badger Bishop Tutu...couldn;t get to speak to him but got an email that said he will will speak to the minister of Home Affairs, don't know her name.
Anyway a week or two later he was admitted to qualification of SA citizenship and that meant he could represent SA.
Pro2,680 posts
01 Nov 2023, 15:12
#1
01 Nov 2023, 15:12#1