Smith and Boucher to face inquiry into allegations of racism

Formal inquiries will be launched to investigate allegations of racism against Cricket SA employees, including CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith and Proteas coach Mark Boucher, the federation confirmed on Monday.

The decision was taken by the CSA board at the weekend, following the release of the Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) report.

Among the various “tentative findings” made in the SJN report were that Smith and Boucher had acted in a prejudicial or discriminatory manner.

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“CSA respects the SJN process and we are engaging with the report in detail and holistically,” said CSA board chairperson Lawson Naidoo.

“We have taken careful cognisance of the recommendation of the ombudsman, that in appropriate cases, a further process should be instituted to test the evidence and submissions made, and we have decided that this is indeed the appropriate route to follow.

“We hope this will give implicated parties a fair opportunity to be heard so that finality can be achieved, and any final findings can then be acted on.”

The inquiries, to be conducted by independent legal professionals, would take place early in the new year.

Smith and Boucher would remain in their positions and would continue to carry out their duties during the upcoming India tour of SA.