Cricket South Africa (CSA) has solidified its stance on zero tolerance for any level of harassment or abuse (non-accidental harm) within the sport following the adoption of a Safeguarding Policy in 2021.
Along with existing legislation and policy driving safeguarding, CSA has partnered with The Guardian to equip every Club, School and Mini Cricket Club in South Africa in appointing a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO). The appointed DSOs will be responsible for ensuring that the CSA’s Safeguarding Policy is being adhered to at all levels.
In terms of the Safeguarding Policy, all persons, employed or volunteering within any club, school, mini cricket or any other cricket programmes must be in possession of the appropriate CSA coaching accreditation and be vetted against the Sexual Offences Register, Child Protection Register, and a Criminal Record Check.
CSA Head of Cricket Pathways, Edward Khoza, said;
“CSA embarked on this journey two years ago in alignment with the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) Safeguarding Policies.
“In line with the National Child Protection Week which will be commemorated from the 29th of May to 05th June, CSA recognised the urgent need for safeguarding to become an integral part of the culture of the game in the country.
“All persons employed or volunteering within any club, school, mini cricket or any other Cricket programme must be vetted accordingly and complete the basic online Safeguarding Awareness Certificate. This will ensure that every coach, employee or volunteer is cleared and has a basic understanding of safeguarding,” said Khoza.
“The prevention of harassment and abuse in our sport requires a well-coordinated approach, that has to be adopted by all our stakeholders from club, school level, through to Provincial and National structures,” Khoza concluded.
