Lucas Radebe and Steven Pienaar were the star names as Show Racism the Red Card officially launched in South Africa last week in conjunction with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
The organisation has been around for 25 years, and utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society.
According to their website, the “majority of the campaign’s work involves the delivery of educational workshops to young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums. Across the UK, SRtRC provides educational sessions to more than 50 000 individuals per year.”
The issue of racism has again reared its ugly head in recent days following attacks on social media directed at football stars like Reece James, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Radebe and Pienaar were joined at the launch by former Newcastle United goalkeeper and SRtRC honorary president Shaka Hislop.
“It is a privilege to be invited to the launch of the Show Racism The Red Card South Africa,” Radebe said. “I was living in and playing for Leeds when Show Racism The Red Card was launched in the UK 25 years ago. I watched the growth of the organisation and noted with great interest and admiration the change that it created initially within the football community and then within the wider society. This is why I am thrilled and consider us fortunate that Show Racism The Red Card has identified South Africa as a country to partner with and extend their message.”
CLICK HERE to watch the full launch of Show Racism the Red Card in South Africa.