Whitbread Race Will Continue With Its Boycott of South Africa

The Whitbread Round the World Race, like other international sporting events, wrestles with the issue of South Africa.

Cape Town, a geographically convenient stop in the first four races, was bypassed this time because of the political situation. Despite recent events, it’s unlikely the race will stop there in 1993-94, a Whitbread official said this week.

Tim Thwaites, executive director of the 250-year-old British brewing and distributing company, said: “Although there is some sign of progress in South Africa, we don’t feel it is sufficient.”

The considerations are not only political but commercial, which are often linked. Cape Town was boycotted after several potential race sponsors indicated they would pull out rather than be associated with South Africa.

“I don’t think anyone can say it’s a safe and sensible place to go into,” Thwaites said. “Quite a lot of sponsors would not be willing to go back in there . . . until there is some evidence of progress.”

Also, Thwaites said: “Whitbread is a long-established company, and we have certain views on how we treat our employees. When we go into the outside world, we have very similar views on how people should be treated.”

Thwaites was asked if the race would accept an entry from South Africa. He thought about it for several seconds before replying. “I’d really have to consider that,” he said. “I’d have to talk to my own board and to some of the sponsors of the race.”