Independent probe finds no racism in Ashwin Willemse saga

An independent inquiry into Ashwin Willemse’s SuperSport studio walkout has found that there was no evidence of racism being applicable.

Gideon Khobane, chief executive at the broadcaster, on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that SuperSport had unequivocally “accepted” the findings and recommendations made by Advocate Vincent Maleka, who was approached to conduct the probe after initial engagements with the relevant parties broke down.

Willemse last month had accused his fellow colleagues, Nick Mallett and Naas Botha, of “patronising” him.

“Advocate Maleka found that the off-air conduct of Mr Mallett and Botha before the incident in question didn’t manifest racism,” said Khobane.

“There was also no evidence of Mr Mallett and Botha engaging in subtle racism.”

SuperSport have also confirmed that Willemse voluntarily didn’t participate in the probe because he felt the forum was “inappropriate” and that Mallett and Botha will be back on television screens in due course.

Engagements to reconcile with Willemse are ongoing.