In a bid to speed up the rate of transformation in the game, Cricket South Africa (CSA) intends to exclusively hire black consultants, but that has not gone down well with lobby group AfriForum.
The sports body has been in the wars in recent months, after several ex-players came forward with allegations of racial exclusion and discrimination.
Afriforum to approach the courts
Also in the spotlight have been recent appointments made by the organisation, which include Graeme Smith as director of cricket, and prestigious posts handed to former players such as Mark Boucher, who is head coach of the national team, and batting consultant Jacques Kallis.
In light of this, CSA announced that it would prefer black candidates as consultants as it aims to speed up the transformation process. Afriforum has, however, labeled the move discriminatory, and revealed that it was considering taking the matter to court.
“Cricket South Africa’s decision to exclusively hire black consultants can in one way be regarded as nothing other than unjustifiable racial discrimination,” said AfriForum’s Ernst Roets.
“AfriForum takes a firm stand against any form of racial discrimination and will therefore take the necessary action in this matter.
“It is concerning that it has become common for some forms of discrimination to be excused and justified as ‘necessary’ or ‘positive’. These are dangerous and blatant double standards that need to be opposed, and as a civil rights organisation AfriForum will do exactly that.”
Ernst Roets, Afriforum
Changes at CSA
CSA has recently experienced sweeping changes in its top brass, with new appointments made in the past few weeks.
Long-serving president Chris Nenzani was the first to vacate his post and was followed by acting chief executive Dr Jacques Faul within hours of his resignation.
Faul has since been replaced by Kugandrie Govender, who became the first woman to head the organisation, while Nenzani’s deputy Beresford Williams also stepped up to fill the other vacant post.
Another big change to happen at CSA was the termination of former CEO Thabang Moroe’s employment contract, after he was found guilty of maladministration.