Programme Director
CSA President Rihan Richards
Board Chairman Lawson Naidoo
CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, we gather not only to celebrate the launch of a professional domestic women's cricket league but to reflect on the remarkable journey that has led us to this transformative moment. As we applaud Cricket South Africa's tireless efforts, let us also recognize the strides we've taken and the path we are paving for the future of women's cricket in our great nation.
First and foremost, a resounding congratulations once again, for the successful hosting of the World Cup in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape earlier this year. This accomplishment speaks volumes about Cricket South Africa's capability to organize, manage, and deliver a world-class event that showcases not just the game of cricket, but the rich culture and hospitality of our diverse land.
This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of countless individuals. They toiled behind the scenes to create an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and the global cricketing community.
Cricket, with its rich history and profound impact, has the power to transcend boundaries, bring people together,
and inspire change. The birth of a professional women's cricket league is a reflection of our society's evolving values, a demonstration of our collective commitment to gender equality, and a tribute to the remarkable women who have blazed trails on and off the field.
I stand here as the Minister of Sports, not just to congratulate Cricket South Africa, but to emphasize the
significance of this achievement. This league is a symbol of progress, breaking down stereotypes, and the challenging of preconceived notions about women's roles in sports. It represents a shift in mindset, where talent, dedication, and passion take precedence over gender.
Whilst we celebrate all these positive milestones, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that there is still a long way to go as far as transformation in the sports sector is concerned, especially in areas like parity in remuneration, outreach to rural communities, cricket at schools, regular competition, etc.
Please pardon me for seemingly putting a dampener to the good news. Please stay with me, I am going somewhere.
According to the EPG 2018 report, the School Sport competition system is currently indicating that there are three streams from which talent is identified and competition is staged. This system is currently not integrated and has some challenges.
The system shows that there is a government-run school sport system, then there is one model where former Model C schools and private schools compete, this is where most athletes are identified, and then there is a system which the Federations use to stage the tournaments and select national athletes.
The athletes competing in the Government-run school sport system, come from more 23 000 public schools, majority of which are previously disadvantaged with poor or no sport facilities in place. These are the athletes whose system of competition is poorly organized and do not have proper coaching support.
The second group are athletes, from the former Model-C schools, including private schools which are properly resourced, with world-class sport facilities and proper coaching support.
The last group are athletes competing in Federations-staged tournaments, most of whom must have means to attend these events, majority being from the former Model C schools. Upon successful competition, these athletes are awarded the National colours and may be eligible for selection into academies and underage national teams.
The 2019/20 EPG report reaffirms the 2018 report, citing the following amongst factors affecting rate and extent of transformation in sport:
- Ineffective community and school-based sport facility and sport provision programmes.
- Sport federation primary focus on only about 1 500 previous model C schools to the exclusion of 25 000 under-resourced public schools
- Ongoing gender inequality in all areas and all levels in sport.
The subsequent stakeholder engagement sessions and public hearings that took place between 2020 and 2022 on the draft “Women in Sport Policy” confirmed the above, and to further complicate an already difficult situation, participants added that some of our older stadiums do not have female-friendly change rooms as these were designed with men in mind!
Programme Director, one of key characteristics of sport as outlined in the White Paper on Sport and Recreation, is that sport is a “facility dependent” activity. The logic here is that there is no sport code that could be practiced without an appropriate facility.
For this reason, the National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP) contends that provision and maintenance of facilities forms the foundation of the entire sport and recreation system, therefore if facilities backlogs are not addressed it will be difficult to achieve transformation, sport development and increased participation objectives in sport. We literally need to level the playing field.
This situation or reality, therefore, requires all stakeholders to put all hands-on-deck for the future of sport in our country. Only when we all collaborate, will we be able to develop athletes that can successfully compete internationally, and reach our goal of being a winning nation!
During the month of September, the Department, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, will be hosting a School Sport Indaba. It is my conviction that thriving school sports is the only way to transform sport in our country. I therefore extend an invitation to all like-minded patriots, sports activists, and stakeholders to participate in this Indaba for the development of lasting solutions. It is doable when we, as stakeholders, face the same direction.
In our quest to ensure the lasting growth and success of women's cricket in South Africa, it is vital that we recognize the importance of grassroots development. The traditional cricket hubs like Middledrift, Alice, and Healdtown have been the birthplaces of cricket legends, and these hubs must continue to be nurtured and supported to unleash the potential of rural girls who will follow in the footsteps of role models like Ayabonga Khaka.
It is through such initiatives that we can empower local communities, making cricket a source of pride and
aspiration for all. Let us not only focus on talent development but turn our focus toward talent retention too. Our vision must include CSA establishing a Schools Focused Girls Cricket Programs. By nurturing young talent at the primary school level, building from the KFC Mini-cricket, we create a pipeline of players who are not only skilled but passionate about the game.
This program's integration of rural, township, and former Model C schools will be an example of how cricket can bridge gaps and build bridges, fostering unity and friendships across divides.
In our pursuit of excellence, let us not forget the vital role of women in leadership positions. Cricket must be at the
forefront of empowering women not only on the field but also in administration, coaching, and umpiring.
This will not only create a more inclusive and diverse cricketing ecosystem but also inspire generations of women to take up roles that were once considered unconventional. When women lead, they not only enhance the game but also serve as role models for future generations.
This league will serve as a catalyst, igniting the aspirations of young girls who dream of taking this sport seriously and making a living from playing. It sends a powerful message that every aspiring cricketer, regardless of their gender, deserves a chance to hone their skills, compete at the highest level, and inspire others through their journey.
To the players, coaches, support staff, and everyone involved in this league, your commitment is admirable. Your hard work, resilience, and love for the game has paved the way for this historic moment. Your dedication has not only brought recognition to women's cricket, but it has laid a foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all sports in our nation.
A key aspect of any sport's journey is its visibility, and this is no different for women's cricket. Our media houses
hold immense power in shaping narratives and perceptions. It's imperative that women's cricket receives the same level of coverage and attention that our male teams command. By showcasing the achievements, struggles, and triumphs of our women athletes, we are sending a message to the world that their contributions are just as valuable and inspiring.
Lastly, as we embark on this exciting new league, let us remember that its impact goes beyond the competition itself. This league, just like its male counterpart, must become a vehicle for the transformation of cricket. It should not be confined to the bustling city centers alone; it should traverse mountains, cross rivers, and reach the remote corners of our nation. Cricket should become a unifying thread that binds us all, regardless of where we come from.
I am aware that achieving all these transformational objectives, keeping the league afloat and taking it to greater heights will require more funding. It is for that reason that we are indebted to sponsors like Momentum. Hopefully their continued involvement will encourage more corporates to follow their example. As government, over and above the pledge of R5million I made towards the establishment of the Women’s Cricket League, we also stand ready to assist wherever we can, to convince potential sponsors.
In conclusion, today marks a significant juncture in the history of cricket in South Africa. It's a celebration of
progress, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of our nation. We are not just launching a league; we are launching a
movement that will resonate with generations to come. Cricket South Africa, today joins the “Big Three” international cricket nations, Australia, England and India, in establishing women’s league. Congratulations, Cricket South Africa, on this momentous achievement. May this league be a testament to our commitment to diversity, equality, and the timeless power of the game.
