The Proteas, South Africa’s national cricket team has come under the spotlight once again. This time for discrimination against black players and racial charges of misconduct.
Cricket like many other sports in South Africa is rooted in racism. In fact, it has a long history of racism. These roots can be traced back to 1884 when Krom Hendricks was not selected as part of the South African cricket team. “It was because of Krom’s dark complexion that he would only feature as a practice bowler and never take his rightful place in the national team,” writes Dean Allen for News24.
The painful history of colonisation greatly impacted the Proteas team. Daniel Gallan delved into the roots of racism in SA cricket last year. “Cricket’s foundation phase is littered with racism, from the structural in elite all-boys schools that produced 65% of the Proteas who have played at a World Cup to the literal where black talent is doubted and marginalised.”
Allen points out that many of the issues faced in the Proteas today are strongly linked to colonial times. Mark Boucher, Protea’s head cricket coach was charged with allegations of racism. Former spinner Paul Adams accused Boucher and other teammates of singing songs of discrimination and calling him a “brown sh*t” during the 90s.
Writing for News24, Sibusiso Mjikeliso, author of ‘Being a Black Springbok – The Thando Manana Story’ and deputy editor of Sport24, questions why cricketers have taken so long to speak out. Mjikeliso believes “there is a heavy price for speaking out, which is why, even during the SJN process, not everyone who had a story to tell, told it. Others in the game have far too much to lose to speak out. Commentating, coaching or other administration job opportunities could be withheld if one is seen as a racism rabble-rouser. We all have families to feed and livelihoods to protect.”
There are many challenges to overcome in the Proteas team. With its complex history, racism should be the top priority.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
Learn from history and bat away the racism – News24
Why it’s taken so long for cricketers to open up and why we cannot victim blame – News24
CSA’s balancing act between exercising urgency and care in Boucher case – News24
Dear Minister FixIt, fixed anything lately? Your legacy says otherwise – Daily Maverick
February or March could be the new January gym boom period – Business Live
Does DA-led coalition have what it takes to revive Joburg’s CBD? – Business Live
Cancel culture conundrum: What to do with the art created by monstrous men (and women)? – Daily Maverick
Image credit: Gallo Images
