‘Difficult topics discussed at Proteas camp’, reveals Van der Dussen

Proteas batsman Rassie Van Der Dussen says the recent culture camp attended by members of the men’s national team yielded what was overall a “positive feeling”.

The 32 attendees included first-team regulars, with some fringe players as well as a few uncapped rising stars.

Van der Dussen reflects on Proteas camp

According to Cricket South Africa (CSA), the players agreed on a new way forward, adopting a new values system.

It came at a time the sports body had been forced to confront its approach to transformation, with several ex-players alleging discrimination and isolation on the basis of race during their time in the national squad.

Van der Dussen says open, yet difficult, conversations were had at the camp.

“There were some very difficult topics discussed at the camp,” he continued. “The credit must go to CSA and the coaching and management staff for creating that platform and environment for everyone to feel safe and to be able to tell the stories and bring to light the issues that were in everyone’s hearts. “I was pleased with the willingness of the squad to have open conversations, it’s very important for people to firstly, understand each other – there are different backgrounds, different cultures, different races and religions – in a country as diverse as ours.”

Rassie van der Dussen

Transformation on the agenda

Transformation was one of the topics discussed at the camp, and the 31-year-old said it was an important conversation to have, given the country’s history.

“When we get to a place where everyone can make an informed comment and is educated in these aspects, people can then come to a place where there’ll be a lot more empathy, more understanding and the way forward will be a lot clearer.” 

Rassie van der Dussen