The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has filed a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following comments made by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, which the party has labelled “racist and sexist”.
The complaint stems from remarks Broos made during a press conference in Pretoria on Wednesday, where he expressed frustration over young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi missing a flight and arriving late to the national team’s AFCON preparation camp at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre.
UDM MP Nqabayomzi Kwankwa confirmed the complaint in a Facebook post on Thursday.
“We have lodged a formal complaint with the Human Rights Commission against coach Hugo Broos for his racist and sexist remarks directed at Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels,” he wrote.
“Racism and white supremacist attitudes have no place in our society… Hugo must be held to account for his utterances.”
The UDM has also written to the South African Football Association (SAFA) expressing “deep concern and disgust”.
What Hugo Broos said
Broos, clearly angered by Mbokazi’s late arrival, told journalists he would speak to the 20-year-old defender about the missed flight:
“I will have a chat with him after training, and I can assure you, he’s a black guy and he will leave my room as a white guy,” Broos said.
He also reportedly referred to Mbokazi’s agent, Basia Michaels, as a “nice little woman”, while criticising the player’s decision to join MLS side Chicago Fire after AFCON – a move he believes is not ideal for the rising star.
A source close to Broos, speaking anonymously, said the coach’s comments were being misinterpreted.
They claimed Broos meant Mbokazi would leave the meeting “white” as in pale with concern after being reprimanded – not in reference to race.
Regarding the “little woman” comment, the source said Broos’ English is imperfect and the phrasing was an unintended slip.
SAHRC approached for intervention
A letter to the SAHRC, signed by UDM secretary-general Yongama Zigebe, cites section 9 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race and gender.
“The reported comments, racially coded, derogatory and gender-diminishing, cannot be dismissed as off-hand remarks,” the letter states.
The UDM has requested an independent investigation and recommendations to ensure accountability and corrective action.
AFCON preparations continue
Broos made the remarks during the first press conference of Bafana Bafana’s pre-AFCON camp.
South Africa will play their final warm-up friendly against Ghana on Tuesday at Dobsonville Stadium before departing for the tournament in Morocco.
They face Angola in their opening match in Marrakech on Monday, 22 December, followed by group clashes against Egypt and Zimbabwe.
Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie took to social media on Thursday to write: ‘I’m awaiting the response from SAFA & Coach Hugo Broos before i comment. The comments made by the coach requires clarification as it is open to any interpretation currently.’
