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If you think the dust has settled on the now infamous SuperSport showdown between Ashwin Willemse, Nick Mallett and Naas Botha, you’d be wrong.

Earlier this week, the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) announced that they would conduct a formal, public inquiry into allegations of racism at SuperSport, and especially what led to the breakdown in relations between Ashwin Willemse and his fellow presenters.

With that having come to light, TimesLIVE sat down with Willemse, who opened up about what led him to what he calls “breaking point”.

We have heard him speak frankly about his experiences when he sat down with Radio 702, but this interview provides further insight into his struggles.

Over to Ashwin:

Wherever you stand on this matter, you’re looking at a guy who has clearly been worn down by what he views as unfair and discriminatory treatment.

Here’s more on the SAHRC’s inquiry:

The commission’s inquiry will seek to establish, among other things, “whether, and to what extent, Mr Willemse was exposed or subjected to unfair racial discrimination or harassment on or before 19 May 2018 and thereafter during the performance of his duties as an analyst at SuperSport”, and whether “SuperSport has appropriately dealt with the allegations of unfair racial discrimination made by Mr Willemse”.

The inquiry will also investigate “whether SuperSport has received complaints relating to unfair discrimination on the basis of race in its workplace. If so, whether SuperSport responded appropriately to address such allegations and what were the outcomes in respect of each complaint, if any?”

The commission decided to investigate after SuperSport provided it with a report compiled by Advocate Vincent Maleka about the walk-off incident.

We know that Maleka cleared Nick and Naas of racism, but we also know that Ashwin didn’t participate in that report, and has scant regard for its findings.

He also hopes that his speaking out will encourage black colleagues who work at SuperSport to come forward with their experiences (some already have), so who knows what skeletons might now emerge from the closet.

In summary, no, the Ashwin Willemse SuperSport saga is far from over.

[source:supersport]