Johannesburg, Jan 20 (UNI) Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday appointed senior counsel Terry Motau as chairperson of the disciplinary hearing into allegations of misconduct against Proteas men’s head coach Mark Boucher.
The development follows December's Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) report, which made tentative findings regarding allegations of discrimination and racism against various persons, including Boucher.
The allegations of racism were levelled against Boucher by his former Proteas teammate Paul Adams.
It has been proposed that the parties will meet with advocate Terry Motau on January 26 to determine a timetable for the proceedings.
While releasing his report, the Ombudsman advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza indicated that he was not in a position to make "definite findings" and recommended that a further process be undertaken.
In keeping with this approach, the board was obligated to institute further formal enquiries into CSA employees, suppliers or contractors who are implicated by the SJN report.
"The Board remains mindful of its duty to treat allegations of racism or discrimination with the utmost seriousness and in a manner that ensures fairness and due process in terms of South Africa’s Constitution and labour legislation," said Lawson Naidoo, CSA Board Chairperson, in a statement.
"It is now up to the inquiry to determine to which extent the allegations are true and justify the need for further disciplinary steps."
CSA confirmed that a charge sheet, containing both the disciplinary charges against Boucher as well as his rights, was provided to him on January 17. The upcoming inquiry will also consider concerns and allegations that arose following the resignation of former assistant coach Enoch Nkwe.
While Boucher is being charged with gross misconduct, which could lead to his dismissal, CSA emphasised it is important that the independent inquiry first needs to test all allegations before any question of sanction can arise.
"CSA emphasises that any implicated party will be given a fair opportunity to be heard so that finality can be achieved," said Naidoo.
UNI PN