Comments on: Open Letter to Hashim Amla – gave goosebumps at how far we have come

By: Belfo

Belfo — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:50:23 +0000

I have to agree with Phil. How he behaves (which is exemplary and I am truly a great fan of Hashim!) should not have swayed Matt’s opinion of Hashim’s wearing the logo or not. This had nothing to do with it in the first place.
I do commend Matt though for his courage and maturity in making his opinion known in public (not many will do that), but I do think he could have handled it better in the beginning when learning about Hashim’s decision, by finding out WHY he did so and not judging him about it in the first place.
But having said that, well done for your comments, Matt!

By: Fernaaz

Fernaaz — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:27:35 +0000

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!

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:37:28 +0000

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

By: teneshia

teneshia — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:29:58 +0000

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

By: Anwar

Anwar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:00:17 +0000

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.

By: rookshana Saudi Arabia

rookshana Saudi Arabia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:23:32 +0000

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.

By: Saf

Saf — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:35:39 +0000

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!

By: Doug Grewar

Doug Grewar — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:14:44 +0000

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.

By: Doug Grewar

Doug Grewar — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:05:57 +0000

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.

By: Farida

Farida — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:37:35 +0000

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