Independent arbitrators have cleared former Cricket South Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith of racism allegations.
Allegations from former Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Thami Tsolekile – and others – happened during CSA’s Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) process.
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What advocate Ngwako Maenetje ruled
- There was no evidentiary basis to conclude that Smith engaged in racial discrimination against Tsolekile during the period 2012 to 2014;
- There was no evidentiary basis to conclude that Smith was racially biased against black leadership at CSA; and
- There was no evidentiary basis to conclude Smith’s appointment of Mark Boucher, rather than Enoch Nkwe, as coach of the Proteas team in 2019 amounted to unfair racial discrimination.
What Smith said
“I’m grateful that my name has finally been cleared. I’ve always given South African cricket my utmost, as a player, captain and administrator, over the last 20 years. So, to hear these baseless allegations of racism being made has been extremely difficult, both for me and my family,” said Smith.
“It has been exhausting and distracting, not least because South African cricket has also been going through a well-publicised rebuilding process which has required a lot of attention.
“I’m just pleased that we have now gone through a robust arbitration process before independent, objective arbitrators and I have been completely vindicated.”
What Smith’s attorney, David Becker, said
“Unfortunately there were a multitude of opportunistic claims and insinuations made before the SJN, which were not properly tested and were clearly false,” said Becker.
“The allegations made against Graeme, in particular, were made by a small group of disgruntled individuals with an obvious agenda to tarnish his good name and have him removed as the director of cricket.
“These vexatious claims and insinuations were serious and defamatory. Graeme has every right to feel aggrieved by these personal attacks.
“However, it is a testimony to his character and leadership that he has held his head up high throughout this process, focused on the job at hand and continued to play a hugely significant role in assisting South African cricket.
“Graeme remains enormously grateful for the opportunity to serve South African cricket.”