South Africa – Research Professor Saleem Badat from the University of the Free State expects the All England Tennis Club to apologise for their treatment and exclusion of black South African tennis players during the 1971 Junior Wimbledon.
Furthermore, he anticipates an apology from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for their involvement in collusion with all-white tennis unions in South Africa during Apartheid, which barred black South Africans from participating in the tournament solely based on the players’ skin colour.
“No doubt that the All England Lawn Tennis Club must issue an apology for what they did in 1971 … It’s an apology to all non-racial sports persons in South Africa for accepting the decision of the International Lawn Tennis Federation. Secondly, the International Lawn Tennis Federation must also apologise for what their General Secretary did.”
Badat in collaboration with Hoosen Bobat, one of the six individuals who embarked on the international tour in 1971 and was subsequently barred from participating in Junior Wimbledon, is actively pursuing this issue with the appropriate organisations.
1971, European Tour
For decades, black South Africans, referring to all non-white racial groups in the country, were subjected to systemic racism, discrimination and segregation under the Apartheid regime. The reach of this oppressive force extended to every aspect of society, including sports.
“In 1961, there was a huge depression [in the country]. The ANC was banned, the PAC was banned, and the liberation movement was smashed. People went into exile, and people were in the jails. Throughout the 60s into the early 70s, South Africa was booming economically. If you were a white South African during that period, you lived in heaven. If you were a black South African during that period, it was tormenting, and that played itself out in the sports fields, in the educational arenas and in the health facilities,” said Badat.
During this era, numerous challenges and injustices severely impeded the participation and success of black athletes in sporting events. Athletes like Bobat, who in 1971 was among the top-ranked junior tennis players in the country, were particularly noteworthy.
Despite being arguably the top-ranked player, he did not enjoy the same privileges as his white counterparts, including access to training facilities, coaches, equipment, and sponsorships.
While black athletes were prohibited from competing against their white counterparts, the non-racial South African Tennis Union organised a four-month European tour for six prominent tennis players. Reflecting on this moment with pride, Bobat described it as surreal, as it recognised his hard work and dedication.
“Coming from the background of no facilities, sponsors and equipment sponsors. So getting a chance to play on the greatest stage in the world was an absolute highlight in my tennis career.”
Nonetheless, according to Badat, white political entities became aware of their departure and made extensive efforts to thwart it. They did so because it allowed these athletes to compete against others without regard for their race or nationality.
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Bobat’s Revoked Wimbledon Acceptance
During the tour, Bobat, one of the two junior members on the team, received encouragement to apply to compete in Junior Wimbledon, as they both met the eligibility requirements. Several weeks later, he received a telegram confirming the success of his application, securing his participation in the 1971 tournament.
“I must have read and re-read that several times just to make sure that it was addressed to me. Whether I was accepted or rejected at that moment, it was unreal.”
Nevertheless, a few days later, he and his team captain were called into the offices of the ITF to meet with the organisation’s General Secretary at the time. The purpose of this meeting was to rescind Bobat’s acceptance and expunge his name from the tournament roster on behalf of South Africa’s all-white tennis unions.
They asserted, Bobat was not the top-ranked junior tennis player in South Africa. Instead, they claimed the title belonged to a white athlete.
“Just like that at the stroke of a pen, not because of my ability but because of the colour of my skin, I was removed from the draw and wasn’t allowed to play. Because of white racist South Africa objecting to my entry and acceptance by the colluding International tennis body. It was a dream of playing at Wimbledon, and it was shattered.”
In an earlier article, Badat emphasised that Bobat’s exclusion from the tournament represents a significant issue in terms of social justice. Furthermore, he believes the apology they seek is not just for Bobat alone but for all sports athletes who have experienced discrimination based on skin colour.
Today, the All England Lawn Tennis Club has expressed its dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity. Badat is optimistic this pledge signifies a genuine commitment to addressing historical injustices.
