Hassan Howa

Hassan Howa&s;s personality (public and private) and political actions are a vital link in explaining the sport-political landscape of South African cricket on a national and local level during the second half of the 20th century. He played an influential role in South African non-racial cricket and shook establishment cricket with his public statements. Howa himself declared that he does not wish to fight anybody but shall stake a claim to human rights and shall not run away from any fight if it ensues. Although extra self-confident in his actions and dominance in meeting procedure, Howa was pragmatic in his political approach. Often, he criticised and ostracised individuals for what he termed collaboration, but he would consult government officials himself and defend his actions. For many years, establishment and non-racial cricket in South Africa were affected by these actions of an authoritarian and controversial Howa. His authoritarianism was sometimes labelled as power abuse. However, Howa had a deep commitment to the creation of a South African non-racial sport society. He did, nevertheless, have a unique relationship with St Augustine Cricket Club, allowing his son to play for them. On the other hand, his vindictiveness against St Augustine threatened the future of non-racial cricket in South Africa.