Conflict between Mthethwa and CSA pushing cricket into further turmoil 

31 March 2021

The DA calls on the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, and the Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Members’ Council to resolve their infighting and place the country’s cricket interests at the top of their agenda.

The ongoing row between the CSA Members’ Council and the Minister Mthethwa is jeopardising South Africa’s participation in international cricket, as self-interest and politics continue to triumph over the best interests of the sport.

According to reports, the CSA Members’ Council voted in defiance of Minister Mthethwa’s appointed interim board when it decided not to amend the governing body's constitution, to provide for a more independent council in future.

This has created another collision course with Sports Minister Mthethwa and we are concerned that this may lead to him taking over the running of CSA which would put entity in breach of International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations. This outcome would come at the detriment of cricket in the country.

The DA is in full agreement that some of the recommendations that Judge Chris Nicholson made in 2013 following a commission of inquiry should be implemented, but we must guard against any interference that would force ICC intervention.

These internal battles and power struggled must be addressed urgently and the Minister and the Members’ Council must find a common ground and put in the interest of sports and cricket first above self-interest and politics.

Issued byTsepo Mhlongo,DA Shadow Minister of Sports, Arts, & Culture, 31 March 2021