The South African Government is intending to intervene in the governance of Cricket South Africa. The move has been initiated as the country’s Sports Minister Nathi Mathethwas has communicated the Government plans to the International Cricket Council.
The Ministry has been given CSA till October 27 to agree to reform its governance model.
The Ministry in a Press note today (Wednesday) had stated that “Efforts have been made over several months to try and assist CSA to stabilise its governance matters. This, after a huge outcry regarding the failure of its leadership to effectively manage its affairs.
“Minister Mthethwa strongly believes that there is great merit in creating an environment where sports problems are handled within the sports movement and accordingly wishes to offer them every possible opportunity to demonstrate their stated commitment to cooperate on a way forward for cricket.
“The Minister has given a notice of Government intervention to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the affairs of CSA. In the interest of fairness, Minister Mthethwa has given CSA until 17:00 on October 27, 2020 to make written representations, should they wish to, on why he should not exercise his decision to intervene as enjoined by the laws of the country.”
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), adhering to the Government directive, had informed the CSA board and top executive to vacate their positions pending an inquiry. However, the directions were not followed, only strengthening the Government resolve to interfere in the CSA governance, which has been marred by controversies leading to the removal of the top management in the cricket government body.
“Having evaluated the discussions as well as the subsequent reporting on this matter, I have now reached a point where I see no value in any further engagement with CSA,” Mthethwa is quoted as saying in the Press note.
The ICC has not reacted to the South African Sports Ministry’s notice as of now. However, a tough stance and intervention by the Minister in the CSA affairs may lead to further trouble for the sport in South Africa.
The ICC constitution does not allow government interference and recommends the national cricket government bodies to be autonomous.
Mthethwa’s move to take control of the CSA will be a breach of the ICC. It will be interesting to see how the global cricket body will react to this. A disaffiliation will further push into deep trouble the South African cricket, which has battled for long with the ban imposed due to the country’s apartheid policies.