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(This has been RePosted due to demand !!!)
Bob
I got this today from an old friend, he is trying to get it to Hashim, I think it is wonderfully written and very honest. Spoken like true convert ! What do you think ?
Bob
Letter of apology to a true South African hero.
Dear Hashim
I felt I had to write this letter to you and apologise personally for something that has been sitting on my shoulders for some time. Strangely, I thought this guilt would have faded over the years but your actions of late have only confirmed the need for this apology.
I joined South African Breweries in 2003 and was an employee in the marketing department until 2006. I was responsible for handling events of all scales and recognising and leveraging beer-selling opportunities. I real perk to the job was the opportunity to be involved in the major sporting events including the big rugby and cricket Test Matches (free tickets) both of which I follow closely as a devoted and loyal supporter. Being a young, energetic and passionate South African it was my dream job. It was a real privilege being involved in leveraging these prestigious events and being able to rub shoulders with our country’s sporting heroes.
In 2004 I found myself in a moral quagmire when you announced your request not to wear the Castle Lager logo on any of your SA cricket team clothing. I quickly chose the side of the company that had recently adopted me and immediately took a dislike to this “spoiled brat” new kid who refused to wear the logo that had made it possible for him to be where he was. “After all, he was not even there on merit!” That was one of my favourite comments. I suggested to my friends and colleagues that we should we should write to Cricket South Africa and give this Amla guy an ultimatum. He should either accept wearing the logo or pay for his own flights, accommodation and costs that “we” as the sponsor were covering.
I was angry to hear that SAB had graciously granted you permission not to wear any logos on your team clothing and saw this as a point of weakness on the part of the brewing giant. My interest in the games that followed that decision was of a totally different nature as I eagerly watched each performance, waiting for you to fail whilst I passed derogatory comments in your direction. The quicker we could rid our team of this problem the better…….. How wrong I was!
Hashim, since that day you have made it not only incredibly difficult, but nearly impossible for me to back up any of my statements or find truth in any of my comments. Fortunately, through watching you so closely (for the wrong reasons at first) I have enjoyed the privilege of being witness to the blossoming career of a humble, inspirational and talented young man. Your attitude both on and off the field is truly a lesson to every young sportsman and woman and your sportsmanship is unparalleled. Umpires around the world will verify this I am sure when many a tough decision on their part has been made easy by your honesty and decision to walk before the result. Your bravery and selflessness are also apparent in the way you regularly nominate yourself for the dangerous close-catching positions when no one else wants them. Your humility and rational nature has given you the amazing ability to turn negatives into positives – a valuable quality for any team to be able to call on. The way in which you handled a certain Aussie commentator’s crude and prejudiced comments a couple years back now brings a smile to my face and is a real life lesson to all of us.
Thank you for all you have taught me over the last few years, thank you for the way in which you play the great game and for the spirit you play it in.
Thank you for being an inspiration to us and for providing our wonderful country with a true South African hero!
I look forward to meeting you in person one day, being able to shake your hand and hopefully buy you a beer…err, sorry, a Coke.
Regards
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59 Responses to “Open Letter to Hashim Amla – gave goosebumps at how far we have come”
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Ryan
21. Jan, 2010
Nice, well done Matt!
Paul Kelly
21. Jan, 2010
How incredibly honest, if we all could adopt this atitude towards our self and others, what a wonderfully pleasant world we would live in.
To openly admit to being wrong and then to go and do something about it makes me feel humble.
James
21. Jan, 2010
How far we have come with what exactly?
I think he should have to wear the logo just like everybody else!
razeen
25. Jan, 2010
Hi James,
I’m not sure you are aware, but muslims are not allowed to consume, sell, promote or have anything to do with alcohol. Our religion has forbid us from doing so, and as loyal followers of Islam, we abide by it’s laws.
We all have a right to our own choices, and Hashim Amla, as a talented sportsman has had the courage to stick to his convictions and religious beliefs and not wear the logo.
It should not be a precondition that anyone who is talented enough to play Test cricket for South Africa, should be a billboard for alcohol advertising.
Let’s be more tolerant towards each other. As I respect you and all fellow south africans regardless of race, colour or creed, so too it would be nice if all South Africans showed this attitude to each other.
Phil
21. Jan, 2010
In what is undoubtedly a brave act by Matt and certainly a step closer to where we would like all South Africans to be, I still find his letter worrying. It seems that just because Hashim is a good, honest cricketer who conducts himself in a way that Matt approves of he is justified in not wearing the sponsor’s name. Does that mean if he was viewed as someone who was not performing well, with a bit of attitude, that Matt would maintain his (original) stance on the sponsorship issue?
We would only be getting real progress if Matt’s views had changed through an understanding and a respect for one’s religion. Hashim’s further conduct should be (largely) irrelevant with regards to his right/justification not to be sponsored by castle lager.
If it is the case that Matt has now accepted Hashim’s stance because he views him as a respectable cricketer and not because he actually has that right irrespective of his conduct then I think the apology lacks real substance.
Terence
26. Jan, 2010
The most amazing thing I’ve read in a while. While I understand your point, Phil, I think that when people experience personal growth it’s not important how that growth came about. It’s not important what would have happened if Hashim hadn’t performed well, what is important is a person has changed his point of view for the better imo, has let go of his prejudice and very importantly has owned up to it. The fact that Matt Botha is the kind of person who was open to this kind of change indicates to me that he would have arrived at this point in his life sooner or later. He is a man of substance and we should be humbled by his apology.
phil
26. Jan, 2010
Terence, I think how he got there is very important. If his mind has been changed by Hashim’s performance and not by an understanding and respect of his religion then he has not let go of his prejudice? He is merely basing his respect for Hashim on what he perceives as a good and honest cricketer, which as I have said, should be irrelevant in the sponsorship argument. The important question is would he have continued to hold these prejudice views if Hashim had underperformed? If so, his change of mindset on the matter has little value for me.
Terence
26. Jan, 2010
I understand your point, I think. I do however disagree as per my comments above. Your point is valid, as is mine. Respect.
archie
22. Jan, 2010
whats more amazing is there was a report recently in the paper that he doesn’t take a match fee or any earning for playing in a test match – bec of his beliefs and because he doesnt were the logo – this guy is one of the few true sportsmen left plays the game becasue he loves it and plays it with his heart on his sleeve – think he’s moved way beyond proving that he’s good enough to be there – all the best in the future
Joey
22. Jan, 2010
lol… nicely summed up Matt
i personally know Hashim and i can tell u, its his religious groundings that pave the way for his success on and off the field..
i hope this serves as an excellent example to the “Islamaphobists”, that they should really get a proper understanding of Islam and a Muslims way of life, instead of the “turban headed suicide bomber” perception shown by Western media…
Well done Hash on being a true sportsman – you make your country proud…
Bilal
22. Jan, 2010
I will forward it to Hashim
Mirza Yawar Baig
22. Jan, 2010
Sir, You are a man of extraordinary integrity in a world that seems more and more devoid of it. Not only do I agree with you that Hashim Amla is a hero, but I believe that you are one too. It takes courage of a rare degree to write what you wrote. I salute you. What you wrote re-kindles hope that perhaps if more and more of us can do what you did, in our different fields i.e. live with integrity, we will change this world and leave behind a legacy that we can be proud of. Be well and may Allah be with you my friend. Yawar Baig
Khalid
23. Jan, 2010
Really good work – appreciate your spirit.
peeter
23. Jan, 2010
Its good to see someone realising what a true muslim should be. I hope you get hidayat.
sheeda
23. Jan, 2010
hey matt, was nice to read a letter of an honest person who is able to own up ones mistakes…
great job hope we all have the guts
Mudassir Ehsan
23. Jan, 2010
Matt, this is great humility on your behalf to accept Hashim and his achievements.
Rgds,
Mudassir
imran Salahuddin
23. Jan, 2010
Amla just followed the command of the Creator…isn’t he a role model for all our younger generation to stay from that ‘drink’ that has been destroying the life of hundreds or thousans today all over the world…
Hat off for Bob and for your old friend…
mohammed ahmed`
23. Jan, 2010
Dear Matt, It takes a lot of courage to admit to our wrong actions to undermine some one’s image. Your open letter of apology to Hashim Amla has given us the inspiration to take corrective action when faced with such situations.
you are a hero matt! We are proud of you.
regards,
Ahmed
Munadia
23. Jan, 2010
This is the kind of thing that makes me proud to be a South African Muslim today. Thank you for your honesty, Matt. In the end, it is the human qualities we have and the contribution we make to society that counts the most and touches people across boundaries.
zue
23. Jan, 2010
humility is a hard thing for human to find…its awsome to see it in both cases in this article,
Matt well done bro
Bob
24. Jan, 2010
Zue – Matt is a great guy and I am sure he would appreciate any comment !
adding my 2cents
24. Jan, 2010
Mr Matt Botha.And it is with respect that I address u as Mister because I think in today’s day & age u have taught many of us including myself great lesson.I takes a man with GREAT character to be able to write a open letter and state the facts as u do.So many of us would have been coward enough as not to admit to being wrong & would have made up many excuses for sticking to that view point.
And as u showed great character in writing that open letter to Hashim.I stand up & “SALUTE” you for your humbleness in saying “I WAS WRONG”.
And I’m sure Hashim would if we can all show this character which you have we on our way of making South African or even world society a better one to live.
And be sure u will find those that will vilify for taking this stand . but rest assured GOD will BLESS u.
ahmed -durban
24. Jan, 2010
come on guys this matter was resolved years ago. why all the fuss ? lets move on, Hassim is doing what he know best that is cricket !
Nanima
24. Jan, 2010
Hashim Amla – May Allah always guide him on the straight path inshaAllah and grant you success in both worlds as well..
Nanima
24. Jan, 2010
Hashim Amla – May Allah always guide him on the straight path inshaAllah and grant him success in both worlds as well..
taz
25. Jan, 2010
well one would ask, was it necessary to go to such lengths to avoid wearing SAB Branding when Islam does not encourage sports on the professional level. How has hashim amla benefitted islam? He hasnt. he has only made a name 4 himself by the game he plays
Ahmed
25. Jan, 2010
“Islam does not encourage sports on the professional level”
Really? Says who? Your evidence please.
“How has hashim amla benefitted islam? He hasnt.”
That comment proves that u r living on another planet.
It’s people like u who don’t benefit Islam.
I agree with Phil above – whilst the letter is great, would the writer have the same feelings if Amla was a flop?
MAry
25. Jan, 2010
taz : please enliten regarding ” islam does not encorouge sports on professional level” . Have searched quran, hadith and fatwa from scholars regarding this statement..have not yet found it.
Ibrahim Vawda
25. Jan, 2010
Hello Matt – Hashim’s actions have been informed by his religious beliefs. Your response is a conscious one and made by choice. For me that is highly commendable and must be applauded. You acted out of a sense of fairness and justice, qualities that are in short supply. May your sentiments influence the rest of the world.
Ibrahim.
rookshana
25. Jan, 2010
Thank you for your courage and decensy,It is extremely rare in the times we live in where lies dominate the world. I ‘m relieved to hear Hashim Amla is not financialy benefiting from his sponsors,hopefully not even for transport.It is against Islam (religion for all) to support something that can harm others.Sport is promoting health and it is ironic that the very extreme is promoted during world class events.Im sure more Amlas will appear if we have Health promoting
sponsors.I wish for a clean,green safe and happy
SOUTH AFRICA. A CUP OF TEA WILL DO,BOB
Moosa
25. Jan, 2010
Awesome stuff Bob, Matt & Hashim.
Now this is what I call real reconciliation. As a Muslim, not only is Mr Amla a great role model from a religious perspective, but also in all other areas of life if you take Religion out of it.
This type of communication not only encourages understanding amongst people with different cultural and religious backgrounds, it also highlights the respect that has grown out of ignorance between people of different skin colour and religion.
Today you guys have led by example.
Salute! And God Bless.
Rogeema
25. Jan, 2010
Wow… what an inspiring letter!
Matt Botha, just like the man you speak of in this letter, you are a man of amazing character!!
Ole
25. Jan, 2010
This so great!! Thank you for bringing to tweet Bob. It restores my faith in humanity! There are so many bigots in sport and so many who don’t admit when they are wrong…
Indeed Hashim is a shining light and a wonderful example to others!
It is such a sadness to read that the fundementalists are always waiting to cast their narrow views which are definitely not according to the Koran.
Sandy
Bob
25. Jan, 2010
great stuff Sandy – thanks for the comment , what a great cricketer too !!
razeen
25. Jan, 2010
Matt, you’re a legend, just like Bob and Hashim:)
Thanks for this absolutely humble posting. I love the honesty and integrity, and these are values we can all live by.
SA Cricket FAN
25. Jan, 2010
Hashim AMLA FTW!!!!
YUSUF
25. Jan, 2010
Hashim Amla is a good man he eats all his vegies, he doesnt waste and he doesn take a match fee, He reads all his Salaah and keeps all his fasts, he also has concern that how all mankind can be saved from hell fire…oh ya and he also does that thing where you hit the ball with a bat ….cricket and he does it well…His Islaam is first than a distant second is everything else
zafar
25. Jan, 2010
Appreciate your spirit!!.
Keep it up.
Chris
25. Jan, 2010
Nice one Matt – and very nicely said!
Yunus Badat (UK)
25. Jan, 2010
This is so refreshing – What a heart felt letter from Matt and I am so moved by his comments. This is both a triumph for cricket lovers and a shining example to all of us Muslims.
Peace to all
Yunus
Aboo
26. Jan, 2010
well done Matt , I am sure it took a great deal of soul searching to do what you did and you are always a bigger and better person for it in the end.
I still maintain that this is one of the most awesome countries in the wordl and i aint goin nowhere.
Abubaker
26. Jan, 2010
Thanks Matt for having the courage to apologise. As for
Hashim may Allah Allmighty always keep you humble and
may you remain a role model to all youth. Keep on playing
the game in the spirit it is meant to be played in.
Faizel Katkodia
26. Jan, 2010
Matt … It takes a hero to recognise a hero … it takes a great man to recognise a great man! And it takes courage to see and admit one’s wrongs. God Bless you Matt and Hashim Amla too! Sincerely,
Faizel Katkodia
President HAQ – Alcohol Damage Awareness faizel@mail.com
Nazim
26. Jan, 2010
If everyone can be honest to their heart like the way Matt has shown in today’s world, this world could become a much better place. I salute you.
Nazim
Gareth Cliff
27. Jan, 2010
Oh come on – religious nonsense does not constitute admirable principles. If a religious sportsman’s god stipulated a “no pussy” rule, would he insist that all the women leave the crowd?
G
moe
27. Jan, 2010
if we had 11 amlas in the team south africa would definatly win the worldcup!well done matt on your honesty!south africa needsmore people like hashimand you!
muddle
27. Jan, 2010
i heard Hashim met with Matt- just 2 or 3 days after this letter was published?
wow- who is responsible for this? did CSA do this? did Dolphins cricket arrange this?
i heard on channel islam that matt had met with hashim for coffee or something- but please can you get matt to tell us who arranged this? and how was it?
matt- you are just a hero like amla, and you deserve all the plaudits etc.
another point on hashim’s character- always remember who is the person or group of people behind the sportstar? these are the guys or ladies that motivate and assist in making this guy and many other players stars!
it can be a wife or a parent or a spiritual connection or a friend! whoever it is- lets get hashim to tell us who is his MAN or WOMAN behind him?
well done bob
Tej
27. Jan, 2010
Huh? I don’t get what all this hero worship of Matt is for. It’s great that he came around. But to have such prejudice in the first place and to judge so freely as a grown man doesn’t make him worthy of the respect being showered upon him. Well done Matt for coming around, and your letter is still hugely important in changing mindsets around – so thanks.
fatimah
27. Jan, 2010
Slmz and peace to all,
Firstly, well done to Matt for realising his prejudice and then openly admitting to it.
I agree with both Phil and Terence. They each have a valuable point. Taz however, was way off. The fact that Hashim has changed peoples mind-sets on Islam is an achievement on its own, let alone his sportmanship and incredible values. Him standing his ground and refusing to wear the castle lager logo despite it probably have being quite an inconvenience to say the least, shows that he is true and honest and won’t bend to the will and expectations of others. Thanks Bob, for ringing all this to light.
May God guide us all!
Farida
27. Jan, 2010
Hi Guys
Is this ‘heart-warming’ apology all that we have? Clearly we have not come very far….
An article by insightful journalist Azad Essa makes a point WORTH READING
http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/azadessa/2010/01/26/amla-a-beer-for-your-sainthood/
Ciao
Doug Grewar
27. Jan, 2010
What a strange, long winded self serving apology. There seems to be some self serving purpose behind it. Maybe the company where this Botha is now working has Moslem owners and he is seeking to ingratiate himself with them. It seems that unlike the Aussie commentators remarks, Botha’s opinion were not made in the public media so why the big ‘mea culpa’ (I’m guilty) act. Did Amla even know that Botha existed? Probably not but he is sure to know now. I doubt this is an apology; it is more like an excercise in publicity seeking self aggrandisement.
The business of Amla not wearing the SAB logo on his team clothing is just window dressing. By Amla accepting money / benefits that have been earned by the sale of alcohol, which is forbidden by Holy Koran he is definitely guilty of an offense against Islam. Should he be stoned to death or should he just have his bowling arm cut off?
Regards – Doug the Atheist.
Doug Grewar
27. Jan, 2010
There is something crook about this site. Bob’s comment was posted simutaneously with my comment which was posted instantly. There must a range of pre-printed answers in a server that automatically posts them.
Saf
28. Jan, 2010
To Bob -totally awsum for posting this,It shows that you are a truely great and honest person.To Matt Well done!You are a true south african and as a muslim i appr. your letter.Hashim displays the personality of a true muslim thats the face of our religon not people that use the religion as an excuse to do evil things.So well done guys!
rookshana Saudi Arabia
28. Jan, 2010
Thanks guys. Matt dankie dat jy ons bewus maak van hoe klein ons is.Ons het almal n (not so nice side ) .Nou praat ons morele waardes en ons Suid Afrikaners is nie te afgeskeep as dit kom by skuldgevoelens nie.Jou absolute ordentelikheid laat baie bloos.Dankie .Ek wonder hoeveel van ons het sedert jou artikel krapperigheid uitgestryk.Aaikona !dit kan net n grootman doen.Ek waai my reenboogvlagie hoog vir jou.
Anwar
09. Feb, 2010
I never supported the Proteas because I cannot forgive for being oppressed, but after meeting Hashim before his departure to India and reading Matt’s letter I am changing my hatred to love for the proteas.
teneshia
10. Feb, 2010
Hi Bob
My name is teneshia and I am a journalist with the Sunday Times. I am trying to get hold of Matt Botha regarding the open letter to Hashim Amla.
Please can you email either email me Matts add or send him my email.
My email add is naidoot@sundaytimes.co.za
thanks
teneshia naidoo
Fernaaz
16. Feb, 2010
This letter shows how far we have come!
Hashim is a great inspiration to us all, he has excelled in his career and his duty as a Muslim. I recently read in the Guardian, Hashim’s response to the Dean Jones issue:
“Beyond the diplomacy, Amla reveals a more private pain. “It did hurt. When somebody calls you something like that you don’t say ‘Thank you!’ That’s not the thing to do. But when a guy apologises, even if it’s that kind of apology, who is to judge but the Almighty? And if it prompts another person to make an effort to find what Islam means, then a lot of prejudices will be blown away.”- The Guardian
Under all of his achievements Hashim is human, cricket is his passion and he has had many years of experience (elected for Nashua Dolphins in 1999, he was 16) in this field and many more to come. His recent achievement in India left us all in awe.
His humility has to be admired (I know of a few people that take publicity to their head). It is only natural to have the few that would not be his fan, but thats ok…he has done us proud and we, his wellwishers and fans, applaud him! Those that dont..well get used to seeing him around..he is here to make his mark and to serve South African cricket!
Having said that, Matt’s letter is inspiring and if more people think like him then cricket will be judged by the merit of the player and not by race and religion. Him not choosing to wear the logo has been accepted by the sponsors…they would know what they doing, dont you think? We, as South Africans, are required to respect all religions, even if we dont agree with him, technically it is his constitutional right to practise his religion. Had he not been a shining example of a Muslim (his mannerisms, dedication and all round behaviour on and off the field) then you could say he protested against it for publicity purposes. But Hashim has continued to remember his Maker in each step of his career.
We had many years of imposed division, lets get over that, break the stereotypes and embrace being South African!
Bob
24. Jan, 2010
disagree here – Matt didn’t market any more than someone who admits he might have been young and naive
not all my posts are going to be agreeable to everyone but thanks for the feed back
Bob
Bob
16. Feb, 2010
don’t miss the wood for the trees, he has clearly made an open and honest apology in the very modern and public forum best suited to him and the situation – it’s very easy to find fault with everything that everybody else does, and do nothing yourself – I think Matt has done a good thing and i like his attitude – if you don’t , no problem