Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) is to lodge a complaint with the Human Rights Commission today because blind cricketers don’t get the same support as their sighted colleagues, BCSA president Francois Neethling says.
”It is sad to see the (low) level of respect and support shown to blind cricketers, as we are six days into the Blind Cricket World Cup and have had no meaningful and dignifying support shown to our national blind cricket team and international guests participating in the tournament,” Neethling said.
”In spite of our numerous attempts to gain recognition for blind cricket in this country, we have again fallen prey to the injustice of society.”
Neethling said just days before they were to host the 2014 World Cup, they were advised by Cricket SA (CSA) chief executive Haroon Lorgat to pull the plug as they had no funding available.
“It is really a shame on South Africa that the national blind cricket squad, who have the highest diversity of racial quota system in place, was forced to settle for emergency accommodation and less than appropriate kit to save the day.”
Neethling also explained that the Bill of Rights and the White Paper on Sport and Recreation identified the need to ensure equality and development of persons with disabilities.
“In view of the above, it leaves us no choice but to lodge a formal complaint, to ensure the dignity and human rights of blind sportsmen are upheld,” Neethling said.
He said the disregard for blind people was also reflected in the low level of support from people for the bi-annual World Blind Cricket Tournament being hosted for the first time in South Africa at the Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch.
The event ends on Sunday. Countries competing include England, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Lorgat said CSA had offered support on condition that Lotto funding could be obtained.
“They were fully aware of this and kept abreast that this was not forthcoming. I must point out that due process has not been followed in securing funding of the magnitude that was sought,” he said.
“We cannot deviate from the accepted standards of corporate governance that we have set for ourselves, and our limited funds cannot be dished out without being approved by the appropriate board committees. It would not be proper for me to respond further in public.
“At the same time, I must stress that disabled cricketers are important stakeholders of CSA and we will always support them in the best way that we can.”
Lorgat said in relation to the issue around the complaint to the Human Rights Commission, CSA had no comment and would await correspondence from the commission. - Cape Times