New dispensation? It feels more like a case of as you were at the Cricket South Africa offices. Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

• Cricket South Africa flat-batted the Democratic Alliance’s pronouncements on transformation targets, saying the party was looking to gain political mileage.
• The DA issued a statement earlier this week denouncing the use of transformation targets ahead of next month’s CSA Youth Weeks around the country.
• CSA’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, said transformation targets were important for the growth of the game at all levels.
• For more, please visit News24 Sport’s home page.  

Cricket South Africa came out strongly against the Democratic Alliance’s statement on transformation targets, saying the party’s portrayal of targets is an attempt to gain political mileage.

South Africa’s official opposition party voiced their concerns and disregard about transformation targets this week in a statement as CSA’s boys’ and girls’ youth weeks loom.

The DA complained about the enforcement of targets at the upcoming Under-19 Khaya Majola Week in Makhanda, which runs from 16-21 December.

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The DA didn’t zoom in on a particular case but explained how targets are a “discriminatory CSA policy smacks of political influence from the hopeless, soul-destroying ANC government”.

CSA said the use of the term “quotas” detracted from the positive impact transformation targets have had on the sport.

“We believe, however, that the DA’s portrayal of our initiatives is an attempt to gain political mileage and does not accurately reflect our long-term vision for the sport,” the body said in a statement in response to detailed questions from News24.

“Our approach should not be misinterpreted as mere ‘quotas’. Instead, these are carefully considered development targets that aim to rectify historical imbalances and nurture a more inclusive and diverse environment within cricket.

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“The purpose is to provide opportunities for young players who may otherwise not be given the chance to prove themselves due to inequalities that may exist in their schools or in their socio-economic backgrounds at home.

“The use of the term ‘quota’ by the DA is misleading and detracts from the positive impact our initiatives have had on the sport.

“In the six and a half years that the transformation targets have been in place, CSA has not received any formal complaints about the policy.

“Should a grievance arise, CSA will handle it in accordance with its established grievance procedure.”

Enoch Nkwe (Gallo)

Gallo Images

CSA’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, defended the use of targets, saying they not only went a long way in redressing the playing imbalances of the past but also allowed for players to get better and sustained playing opportunities.

“We know about our history, but there are a lot more playing opportunities now,” Nkwe said.

“There’s also the need for continuous education where it needs to be drummed in as to why we put certain structures in place.

“They’re in place to allow those who didn’t have the opportunity to have it this time round, even though some people will struggle to understand that.

“The targets haven’t been around for long, but we want to get into a position where there are equal opportunities throughout.

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Nkwe, a former first-class cricketer before moving into the coaching path, said the lack of education around transformation also often led to unnecessary statements.

Nkwe credited schools for taking the lead in transformation matters.

“I think there’s a lack of education around the importance of transforming the sport,” Nkwe said.

“When it comes up every so often, we do gear and avail ourselves to educate, but we know the rate at which our world is growing, and there are things we need to get right.

“We’ve realised that we can’t stop educating people for a better understanding, and we go over and above in that path.

“The schools have been brilliant and key in this regard.”