Smit's transformation perspective
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer's transformation record has come under the spotlight ahead of the World Cup, and Smit said that while he was not exactly surprised at the timing of the issue he does not expect it to have a negative influence on the team.
"That is just the usual antics, we are pretty good in South Africa at creating stories before big events so it is part and parcel of every tournament we have had in the last decade so I don't see how it could distract us this time," he said at a sports development function in Cape Town.
As CEO of the Sharks franchise Smit plays an important role in transforming South African rugby himself, and he said that the issue has been misunderstood by some who see it exclusively in terms of race.
"I think sometimes it is misinterpreted transformation, we look at it as forcing people into situations that they shouldn't be in.
"I think transformation is about saying that rugby is a developing game in this country because of the minority that play it," he said.
Smit explained that his view of transformation is to get as many South Africans as possible invested in rugby to widen the playing and supporting base, which will ultimately make the sport stronger.
"If we can transform the entire South Africa to love the game, and not only just play it but take the game all over the place, we have got access to over 50 million people.
"To have access to everyone rather than just picking from the odd million people that are playing the game," he said.
He believes that transformation is vital in order to strengthen the game and ensure that rugby has a positive impact on South African society.
"For me I think we should all be selfishly promoting transformation because it is not only the transformation of people who are not white to play the game but also making sure that people want to play rugby first.
"I believe in rugby and what it teaches people and when anyone of any colour sees the Springbok team or any team they feel some kind of pride," he added.
By Michael de Vries
