Brett fought the good fight.
Much has been written and said about the character of Brett after his passing. The vast majority of what has been discussed, in short, is praise about his outlook of truth and his distaste for corruption.
So this begs the question: if so many people agree with what he stood for why was the racing game in South Africa captured for so long by corrupt individuals, right up to the point of irreversible long term damage?
“This clique ran amok and were aided and supported by the vast majority of racing’s finest. There were some real big names that supported the rot with their silence,” says David Safi, “We knew they were self-serving. We knew they placed racing last. We knew their salaries were excessive. We knew that their perks were siphoning the fat out of the game. And, yet, it still went on unabated. It seemed even to be supported by the very structures that were set up to oversee the health and prosperity of racing.”
“They had racing’s media under control while most stood by and watched. They silenced any criticism of their despicable actions. They fired anyone who dared to defy them. In the process they cost racing many dedicated and hardworking people,” added Safi.
Brett Meselle felt the brunt of standing up against corruption. He was expelled and shamefully had no door to knock on for justice.
People admired Brett’s courage. This has become clear in the days following his death.
“One has to wonder why people were so silent. Is it because people are afraid to stand up to bullies or is it their hope of feathering their own nests?” asked Safi, "This double standard was not part of Brett. He stood for what was right even if he was 'punished' for it."
“Whatever the answer is, one message is clear: corruption only brings destruction. A stifled and controlled press is not the solution as it only compounds the problems,” commented Safi, “so I say, ‘well done’ to Brett and other brave souls who stood up and spoke up against corruption.”
“What is needed in South African racing are more Bretts and Steves and Jesses and more Robyns and Jameses and Ians and Shaeens and Charls. We need more tireless workers like the Andrew Bon out there. These good folk need to be supported,” continued Safi, “they are the voice of racing.”
“We need to continue Brett’s good work,” advised Safi, “and transparency is the key. Critique is a must. The voice of diversity and debate at board level is a tremendous asset which will help guide racing and to keep it on the straight and narrow.”
“In addition, the media must not buckle or be held to ransom or bought with favors,” added Safi.
The key principle is that people in positions of authority should realize that they are there to serve racing and not for racing to serve them. As Brett Meselle always wanted was, "let’s put racing first".
“Don't get me wrong. Not all administrators are corrupt. Many have gone the extra mile countless times,” concluded Safi, “but all those efforts are watered down if the self-servers are left unchecked. Let’s continue the legacy of Brett and let’s set up structures which include people from all aspects of racing to get and keep racing clean and ethical.”
BRETT NEVER LEFT THE RACING ELITE UNCHECKED AND HE EXPOSED WHEREVER HE SAW WAS WRONG, NO MATTER WHO WAS INVOLVED.
Brett Meselle is gone but not forgotten.