Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Indaba, from 26 to 28 July 2024, in Tshwane.
The 2024 Indaba held high significance for CSA as members of the Board, the Members Council, Affiliates, employees and key stakeholders, came together to collaborate and agree on what the ecosystem needs to do in driving excellence, ensuring not only continued relevance but also fostering growth for the sporting code.
‘Belonging’ became the overall theme of the Indaba, with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion remaining the central focus. For this vision to be realised, it was paramount that there be unison on matters regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creating a great sense of belonging within the cricket eco-system.
The Indaba highlighted that creating a genuine sense of Belonging is crucial, stressing that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) principles must be integrated into all facets of cricket, and embraced as a fundamental principle rather than an obligation.
Since the last Indaba six years ago, CSA has concentrated on enhancing and advancing the existing solutions as they united to forge a path forward. Woven into the very fabric of how CSA operates is transformation which is clearly articulated in the company’s strategic principles along with excellence, development, sustainability and brand promotion.
The breakaways that took place at the 2024 DEI Indaba highlighted these principles with in-depth discussions taking place on how to solve current problems in a way that will better promote DEI ahead of the 2027 World Cup being held in South Africa.
Focus groups deliberated on the following key areas, among others:
- Fastest Growing, Inclusive Sport
- High Performance
- World Class Sustainable Cricket Nation
- Data-Driven Insights
Some of the outcomes showed that at the heart of everything the ecosystem seeks to achieve is a sense of belonging for the players. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and possess varying needs, yet share a common passion – the love of cricket. Our role is to nurture this talent, keep the enthusiasm for the game alive, and hold the leaders within the ecosystem accountable for fostering a culture of belonging and striving for excellence in every aspect
Focus was paid to current CSA Sustainability Task Teams, stating that DEI be addressed across the board, and risk assessments conducted. A research paper was proposed to provide guidance and best practices and to serve as a benchmark for the cricket ecosystem on what needs to be implemented to ensure issues of gender equity and inclusion of differently abled people are prioritised going forward. It was tabled that attention be paid to prioritising the hub system as a driver of inclusivity from grassroots with the need of clear pathways clearly defined and talent development being at the centre.
Strategic partnerships were highlighted as a necessity, in order to widen the reach of the ecosystem’s development programmes and to alleviate the financial strains for CSA and its Members.
Procurement value chains were also highlighted as a driver of broader economic inclusion and that the ecosystem needs to incorporate policies and procedures that create opportunities for SMMEs.
A consolidation of the resolutions will be done, after which an implementation plan detailing the short and long-term goals will be tabled to the CSA Board for approval and dissemination to CSA Members.
DEI Chairperson, Ms. Muditambi Ravele shared her sentiments on the Indaba;
“There was a consensus that DEI&B responsibilities extend to all levels, including coaches, administrators, and policymakers, emphasising its integration into every department’s activities.
“We are currently finalising our resolutions, which will be communicated in due course.”
