Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named Senior Counsel Advocate Terry Motau (SC) as the chairperson of the disciplinary hearing investigating claims of misconduct against Proteas men’s coach Mark Boucher. On the 26th of January 2022, the parties will meet with the Advocate to decide a timeline for the proceedings.
This followed the release of the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) report in December, which contained preliminary conclusions on charges of discrimination and racism against a number of people, including Boucher. During the SJN process, Boucher was accused of racism by Paul Adams, a former Proteas player.
Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza SC, the Ombudsman, stated in his report that he was unable to make “definite findings” and suggested that a more thorough investigation be conducted. In keeping with this strategy, the Board was required to conduct additional official investigations against CSA employees, suppliers, or contractors involved in the SJN report, and this is the first of these investigations.
On January 17, CSA supplied Mr Boucher with a charge sheet that included both the disciplinary charges against him as well as his rights. Concerns and charges that developed following the departure of former assistant coach Enoch Nkwe will be considered in the next investigation.
“The Board remains mindful of its duty to treat allegations of racism or discrimination with the utmost seriousness and in a manner that ensures fairness and due process in terms of South Africa’s Constitution and labour legislation. It is now up to the inquiry to determine to which extent the allegations are true and justify the need for further disciplinary steps,” CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo, said.
“CSA emphasises that any implicated party will be given a fair opportunity to be heard so that finality can be achieved,” added Naidoo.
In an official release, CSA stated that while Boucher has been charged with severe misconduct, which could result in his removal, the board will conduct an independent inquiry first to investigate all claims before any further steps can be considered.
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