Mbalula: I did not push Meyer
This followed the announcement on Thursday that Heyneke Meyer quit his position as Springbok coach.
The minister, reacting to the announcement, made it clear that the resignation of Meyer "serves as an opportunity to enhance our efforts of sport transformation".
However, he denied that he had put pressure on SARU to get rid of the coach to assist with the transformation of the national team.
"I don't decide, nor interfere with, the hiring and firing of coaches," Mbalula said in one of several posts of his twitter account.
He was full of praise for Meyer and also took pot shots at those criticising the former Bok mentor.
"Heyneke Meyer is an honourable man," the ministers said, adding: "He put the interest of the country first before his own.
"Opportunists are those who want to claim easy victories out of Meyer's resignation."
In a statement released earlier Mbalula wished Meyer well in his future endeavours.
He also pointed out that transformation remains an important consideration for all sports in South Africa, rugby included.
"The resignation of Meyer should not distract us on what we seek to achieve, rather it should serve as another opportunity to enhance our efforts of sport transformation," the minister said.
"In May this year I signed Transformation Agreements with many federations – SARU was one of them.
"SARU agreed and committed to transformation; it is a prerequisite then that whoever comes in as a new coach of the Springboks is conscious to our transformation needs and will meet our objectives as outlined in the Transformation Agreement before the next Rugby World Cup," Mbalula added.
To read the full transformation plan, as agreed to by SARU and the minister of sport, CLICK HERE!
The resignation of Mr Heyneke Meyer serves as an opportunity to enhance our efforts of sport transformation. pic.twitter.com/hjchsu50vo
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) December 3, 2015
I don't decide nor interfere with the hire and firing of coaches #Heynekeresignation
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) December 3, 2015
I have signed a comprehensive Transformation Agreement with SARU and these are the key indicators –#HenekeMeyer pic.twitter.com/kInyZ5Up86
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) December 3, 2015
