The ANC has defended Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers' public endorsement of the party.

After being chastised by several opposition parties for publicly stating his support for the ANC during the week, the ANC on Saturday said De Villiers has a right to support any party he liked.

"The fact that he is a Springbok rugby coach does not take away his right to make a political choice," said ANC spokesperson Jesse Duarte.

"He has chosen to support democracy and not a dictatorial DA [Democratic Alliance] which continues to run a divisive election campaign. We applaud De Villiers for his stance and call on all South Africans to rally behind him."

De Villiers endorsed the ruling party at a meeting of business leaders on Wednesday. The meeting was addressed by the party's Western Cape election co-ordinator Chris Nissen.

Duarte said opposition parties, as "self-styled so called defenders of constitutional democracy" are now mounting a vicious campaign against De Villiers by mobilising rugby clubs in the Western Cape to speak against the Springbok coach.

"This has once again demonstrated and exposed the DA of how low they are prepared to stoop in undermining De Villers' democratic right of political association which is protected in the Constitution," she said.

Duarte said the ANC will continue to defend the rights of De Villiers and any South African, to enjoy freedom to endorse any political party in the run-up to the April 22 elections.

"The DA's persistent and consistent actions to deny citizens their rights signals the party's determination to take the country back to the dark days of dictatorship," she said.

Duarte said De Villiers was a South African citizen who should enjoy all rights as contained in the Constitution.

The DA described De Villers endorsement of the ANC as "unfortunate", saying he was "using his position as the national rugby team coach to pursue his personal interests".

"By choosing to openly align himself with one party, De Villiers is defeating the country's efforts to depoliticise sport, particularly rugby, which has been at the receiving end of political interference by the ANC government.

"South Africa has come a long way to overcome political interference in sport; we must not go back down that route again," DA spokesperson James Masango said on Thursday.

Freedom Front Plus spokesperson Willie Spies said De Villiers' "unusual step" to endorse the ANC so close to the election date was inappropriate and divisive.

The Springbok team was one of the few unifying symbols in South Africa.

"De Villiers' conduct now makes the Springbok team a divisive symbol. The FF Plus and other opposition parties are trying their best to fight the ANC's interference in especially rugby."

Just as politicians should not be allowed to interfere in sport, prominent sportsmen should not be allowed to abuse their positions to favour political parties, he said.

Colin Fibiger of the Christian Democratic Alliance, said De Villiers had now probably alienated many rugby supporters from the sport.

"To make a public statement regarding the issue, is highly immature however, and quite foolish for a man holding our national rugby pride in his hands," he said.

Sapa

The iafrica.com debate Jacob Zuma Did the NPA make the right call on Jacob Zuma? Ebrahim Moolla takes on Rebekah Kendal…
Voter's guide: crime Check out our voter's guide to see where the different political parties stand on crime.
Election Focus An election ballot For the latest election news, features, profiles and more, check out our Election Focus page.