Boucher rewarded for racist conduct, no punishment
I REFER to the recent letter by Paks Pakiry in the Daily News, “It’s high time for racist Boucher to go”, regarding allegations of racism directed at Cricket South Africa (CSA) coach Mark Boucher, and his pathetic attempt to explain the circumstances under which he made those comments.
It is common knowledge that racism in the SA cricket team was, and perhaps is, rife and little or nothing has been done to deal with this scourge.
Once again, we see the CSA’S new leadership are spineless.
Notwithstanding the revelations made against Boucher, it is very disturbing to read that he is still in his position and is on his way to Sri Lanka as the coach.
It is even more disturbing that some past cricket administrators, like Ali Bacher, have come out in support of Boucher.
Bacher is on record as saying that
Boucher has apologised for his past mistakes and should be allowed to continue in his role.
I am not surprised that Bacher would support a person who has admitted to treating a fellow team member in a racist manner.
Perhaps it is time for all South Africans to learn of Bacher’s track record in South Africa.
Neither Bacher, nor some of his team mates who have suddenly found their voices, spoke out against apartheid sport specifically, nor racism in society at that time.
It is my firm view that the initiative taken by the CSA to cleanse its image must be intensified. Unfortunately, the CSA did not dismiss Boucher as coach and, instead, rewarded him with a trip to Sri Lanka.
However, it is not too late to make amends and deal with him when he returns.
As far as Bacher and his ilk are concerned, they need to be reminded of their role they played in trying to prop up apartheid through their role in those rebel cricket tours in the 1970s and 1980s.
He should be summoned by the committee chaired by advocate Dumisa Ntseba to make a submission on his past role as the chief executive of cricket and what he did to deal with racism.
DHAYALAN MOODLEY | Mobeni Heights