Jessie Claassen has threatened to initiate a civil court case against former Western Province Rugby Football Union vice-president Gerald Njengele.
Njengele was accused of launching a racial attack on Claassen, the national manager of the Vuka Rugby Programme, at the Cape Town Sevens last December. He faced a four-year suspension for breaching the union’s code of ethics, but was cleared of all racism charges following an appeal, and has since resigned from his position.
In an interview with Rapport newspaper, Claassen revealed that he will start civil proceedings against Njengele if he does not receive an official apology.
‘He shows no remorse and there are no signs of him issuing any kind of apology for his actions,’ said Claassen.
However, Claassen commended WP for the transparent manner in which the union handled the matter.
‘The union has extended their sincerest apologies to me twice and should be praised for that,’ he added. ‘It’s important that I maintain a good working relationship with all unions in the country.’
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
