As someone who fell in love with your game and has worked tirelessly to develop it in South Africa I, with all due respect, was very disappointed to read your comments in the Herald Sun suggesting we in South Africa and the rest of the world are wasting our time. The game has become everyone's game, not only Australia's, and I invite you to take some time in August to go and witness the AFL International Cup. It's a magnificent event that is full of colour and cultural diversity; things I think are great for the game. It will also show you how the game has grown internationally in the last decade despite minimal resources in some countries.
I also invite you to come to South Africa, to see for yourself how the game has grown and also the number of people whose lives it has changed, people who have developed a genuine passion and love for it. Australian football has a place in the world and we have embraced it.
I'm not trying to be sentimental, what the game is doing to and for people outside of Australia is real and it is not a waste of time. Nelson Mandela said, "sport has the power to unite enemies" and an example of this is the Peace Team, an Australian football team comprised of Israelis and Palestinians, something unheard of in other sports. Through hard work and genuine belief, people have made the Peace Team work and its members aren't only teammates, but have become friends and brothers.
I think the AFL should be congratulated for having the vision to take Australian football to other parts of the world. They're making it possible for the rest of world to be part of what I feel is the world's greatest game and also an opportunity to test themselves against the best. One of my dreams is to see South Africa play Australia in an official Test match at the MCG in 25 years, and I believe that dream will come true looking at what we've achieved in the past five years.
Mr Kennett, I thought I should share with you what I thought of your comments in the Herald Sun, but most importantly, what I feel about this fantastic game. I think I speak for the entire international community who's caught the bug when I say, we love the game and we've made it ours - do not take it away.
International growth is in the best interest of the game and I'm sure deep down in your heart you want what is best for the game. As an influential figure and a custodian of the game I encourage you to advocate the international agenda. The seed has been planted on fertile soil, please help with the nurturing and growth of the sport. Spread the joy!
I thank you and wish to meet you one day. Good luck with the rest of the season and I hope Buddy Franklin kicks another 100 goals like he did in 2008 at Docklands, I was lucky enough to be there to witness it.
Kindest regards,
Mtutuzeli Hlomela
(Johannesburg, South Africa)
