Ali Bacher bags lifetime achievement award

JACK MILNER

Instead of focusing on his own achievements, Bacher spoke at the awards about the man after whom the event is named, the late Steve Tshwete (the Minister of Sport and Recreation from 1994 to 1999). They were close friends.

The lifetime achievement award is given to people who have, over a period of 20 years or longer, dedicated their lives to making a difference in South African sport. They can be involved in any facet of sport, either as an athlete, an administrator, or in management. Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa chooses the award winners from a shortlist of nominations.

Bacher attended the ceremony with his wife, Shira, and was the last to receive his award.

“What upset me a little was that the awards are named in honour of Steve Tshwete, and nobody said anything about the man. So, I asked the minister if she would mind if I said a few words to pay tribute to Steve, and she happily agreed,” Bacher told the SA Jewish Report after the event.

“I described him as Mr Fixit because without him, we would not have been able to amalgamate all the sporting bodies as we did. Steve was an extraordinary person, well-liked by all, and a prominent figure in reintroducing South Africa into world sport.” 

Bacher told the story of how, in 1991, Thabo Mbeki, sent the pair to London to pave the way for readmission into international cricket. “He took me around London, and introduced me to all the high commissioners from predominantly black countries.”

By the time the South African team applied for readmission, all the groundwork had been done to clear the way. 

When South Africa played in the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa’s second match was in Auckland. “Steve came with Shira and me to watch the game, and when we arrived in Auckland, we were confronted by a large group from HART [Halt All Racial Tours].

“They had disrupted the rugby tour in 1981, and wanted to see Steve because they felt there was still no democracy in South Africa, and they wanted to protest against that game in Auckland.”

Tshwete turned down Bacher’s offer of assistance, and went to face the group on his own. “Just 45 minutes later, the meeting was over, and the game took place unhindered.”

Bacher described the award ceremony as having “a lovely atmosphere”. He felt the tribute went down well, but as it was close to midnight, it was time to end the proceedings.

“Steve’s son was on the podium. He couldn’t believe the stories about his dad. He was amazed. So I told him to come see me, and I would tell him more stories,” said Bacher.

Among the other recipients of lifetime achievement awards were former Springbok rugby captain and administrator, John Smit, and legendary boxing referee and administrator, Stan Christodoulou.

The other recipients are voted for by the public. The award for Sportsman of the Year went to swimmer Chad le Clos, while athlete Caster Semenya was the biggest winner on the night, bagging Sports Star of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, and the People’s Choice Award.