Ashwin Willemse wants to become a politician – report
The former Springbok wing was used extensively as a guest speaker of the ANC before 2014's general election.
Ashwin Willemse during the 2017 Super Rugby Season launch at SuperSport Studios, Multichoice City on February 22, 2017 in Johannesburg. Picture: Gallo Images
Ashwin Willemse apparently has political ambitions.
According to Rapport, who cited two sources close to him, the former Springbok winger is even considering establishing his own party.
The 37-year-old made headlines last year after he walked out during a live rugby broadcast, alleging that two of his SuperSport colleagues – Nick Mallett and Naas Botha – were racist and “undermining” him.
The incident will be under the microscope again in late February when the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) conducts a public hearing.
Willemse has never been shy of being actively involved in political events.
In the build-up to the 2014 election, he was used extensively as a speaker at ANC gatherings, where he regularly wore T-shirts showing Jacob Zuma’s portrait.
Willemse once even told an audience that he “wouldn’t be the Ashwin Willemse I’m today had it not been for the ANC”.
Approached for comment, Willemse refused to reveal any plans.
“I’m not in the mood to think about this,” he told the Afrikaans Sunday newspaper.
“I’m grateful for the interest in me in this regard, but I’m not going to answer these questions.”
He also maintains that most of his attention is currently directed at the upcoming SAHRC hearing.
For more sport your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
