You are getting lots of nice perks on the backs of the blacks in South Africa Anti-apartheid activist

The tour has been organised by managing director of the South African Cricket Union, Dr Ali Bacher, and is opposed by the ANC and the mainly black National Sports Congress.

They have threatened to disrupt matches and interrupt play as part of their on-going campaign for the intensification of sanctions against South Africa.

There is mounting speculation Nelson Mandela is about to be freed.

Dr Bacher, who has spoken out against apartheid, insists the tour is needed to generate income and promote cricket at all levels.

The England rebels are also meant to be taking part in coaching schemes in black townships.

The cricketers who also include, David Graveney and John Emburey, faced a barrage of reporters at a news conference shortly after their arrival.

Mike Gatting was asked about the demonstration at the airport. He said it was all over by the time the cricketers landed and they had not witnessed any violence.

"Obviously we hope the demonstrations will be peaceful. We are unhappy if it was a peaceful demonstration that was disrupted," he said.

The organisers have refused to disclose how much the rebel tourists are being paid. But reports say Gatting is being paid �100,000 to captain the tourists.

He also faces a ban of up to five years from Test cricket.

At a news conference before he left England, an anti-Apartheid activist heckled Gatting, shouting: "You are getting lots of nice perks on the backs of the blacks in South Africa."

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