adminJOHANNESBURG. — Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has come out in support of the Black Cricketers in Unity who sent a strongly worded letter to Cricket South Africa (CSA) yesterday. The players sent their letter to CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat raising pertinent issues that questioned racist policies and asked for a meeting within seven days. “The purpose of this letter is to address a fundamental problem in the national team: The quality of opportunity afforded to black African players,” reads part of the letter. “To be called to represent your country is an honour.
“Historically, and more recently, the call-up has acted to erode the black cricketers’ human dignity and self-esteem. “They have been pushed to the margins to become ‘hewers of wood and drawers of water’. There is a mistrust of black African players’ ability to perform and assume responsibility and be charged with leadership roles.”
The letter lists several incidents the players say bother them: “At the national level, black African players have become political pawns and official drinks carriers” it adds before adding, “#Drinkscarriersmustfall”. Speaking to City Press on Friday, Mbalula said: “I support the stance taken by the players. First, I must say I am not perplexed by the issues they raise, as they are not new. The issues of players being selected, but not being picked for matches, is old – and has not only been raised by the players but the public.”
He said this was a “courageous” stance by players.
“These players are not doing this for themselves, but for generations to come.” The minister called on the CSA to address the concerns raised by the players. “I have heard that the CSA is planning to meet the players and I am encouraged by that. The meeting should happen as a matter of urgency.” Mbalula said that, in the meantime, there should not be a victimisation of any player.
“There is no better place the player could have sent their memo but to the CSA itself. “I am glad it’s not Mbalula speaking about these issues, but the players who have been there and are in the system. They are talking about issues that affect them directly. “It’s not easy for these players to stand up and address this, but it’s encouraging,” added the minister.
In response to City Press’ enquiry, the CSA’s head of media and communications, Altaaf Kazi, sent out a statement. It starts by saying: “The CSA confirms having received a letter from a group of black African cricketers and regards the issues raised as serious and important (enough) to be dealt with urgently and in a thorough and professional manner.
“With the CSA president (Chris Nenzani) and chief executive (Lorgat) en route to India, this matter will be deferred until their return to South Africa, when it will be given their full attention.”
Lorgat registered the CSA’s displeasure that the letter had ended up in the media. — Cricinfo.
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