The government is trying to hijack rugby through BEE rules

Trade union Solidarity said that the government is trying to hijack rugby by imposing BEE regulations and procurement requirements on the organisers of the All Black tour.

This followed a Government Gazette by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, regarding the All Black tour.

Through this notice, Tau wants to designate the Rugby Greatest Rivalry 2026 Tour as a protected event under the Merchandise Marks Act of 1941.

This legal status, spanning from 7 August to 12 September 2026, grants the South African Rugby Union exclusive rights to specific intellectual property.

To maintain these protections, the organisers must follow public procurement protocols and provide an impact assessment regarding the benefit to local communities.

Solidarity condemned the decision, saying it is an abuse of power that opens the door to greater state control over private sporting events.

Solidarity said that its legal team is submitting comments on the proposed regulations and will oppose the measures on all available legal grounds.

Theuns du Buisson, economic researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI), said that this action raises concerns.

“The government should not use this opportunity to impose controversial procurement requirements on private organisations,” it said.

“Our biggest concern is the attempt to impose BEE regulations and procurement requirements on the organisers of the All Black tour.”

He said that Solidarity is already challenging the Public Procurement Act in court, and imposing these requirements on independent events makes no sense.

He added that the proposed requirements impose additional administrative burdens and costs on organisers.

According to Du Buisson, the decision amounts to the state hijacking a rugby tour for its own personal gain.

He added that this decision leaves businesses that have already signed contracts for supporter jerseys, marketing, and other products in a pickle.

“If the law is applied to its fullest extent, only 100% black-owned businesses may have the right to manufacture or sell Springbok supporter jerseys,” he said.

“Once a minister can declare anything to be in the ‘public interest’ and subject it to state procurement requirements, there is no limit to state interference.”