Cricket South Africa has declared that former South Africa captain and director of cricket Graeme Smith has been cleared of racism allegations.
As of Sunday night, Cricket South Africa declared that Graeme Smith, the former South African captain, and cricket director who has been accused of racism, has been cleared. No evidence supported the provisional findings that Smith had demonstrated racial bias on three occasions, according to two independent arbitrators. Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza, who was chosen by CSA as an ombudsman during proceedings dubbed “Social Justice and Nation Building” last year, mentioned Smith among numerous other people in a report he wrote. Ntsebeza’s findings were described as “tentative,” and he advised that formal proceedings be initiated.
Two arbitrators, Ngwako Maenetjie and Michael Bishop undertook a process in which both Smith and CSA had legal representation, and witnesses were summoned and cross-examined during the arbitration process.
During his time as South Africa’s skipper, Smith was accused of discriminating against wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile after Mark Boucher was sidelined with an injury during the 2012 Test series in England.
South Africa’s star batsman, AB de Villiers, also served as the series’ wicketkeeper.
On March 31, Smith stepped down as the director of cricket for Cricket South Africa (CSA).
For the empty position, he did not reapply.
Because he did not want to report to Thabang Moroe, Smith was accused of being racially biased towards black leadership. Moroe was eventually removed in August 2020 for “acts of significant misbehavior.”
There was no indication of racial bias when Mark Boucher was named head coach instead of Enoch Nkwe, who had worked as team director for a short time.
