Ministerial Task Team on Transformation in Cricket:briefing

SPORT AND RECREATION PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE; EDUCATION AND RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE: JOINT MEETING
13 May 2003
MINISTERIAL TASK TEAM ON TRANSFORMATION IN CRICKET: BRIEFING

Chairperson: Ms RN Bhengu (ANC)

Documents handed out:
Report by Ministerial Task Team (Appendix)

SUMMARY
The Ministerial Task Team, established to investigate the United Cricket Board's decision to scrap its transformation quotas, briefed the Committee on its findings. The Task Team urged serious reconsideration of the decision to scrap quotas and felt that erroneous analysis had resulted in the decision being taken. It was felt that there had not been a proper analysis of demographics and they suggested an increase in transformation targets, as well as noting historical disadvantages in each province. They noted that the United Cricket Board should take responsibility for the lack of common understanding. A consultative process with clearly defined roles to remedy the lack of structured co-operation was encouraged. The United Cricket Board would also appear before the Committee in due course.

MINUTES
Briefing by Ministerial Task Team
Mr John Smith: Chairperson, Ministerial Task Team (MTT), introduced Dr Basson, Mr Fredericks, Mr Nyoka and Ms Tshoma.

The Chairperson explained that the United Cricket Board (UCB) had scrapped its transformation quotas and that the MTT had been commissioned to investigate. The Committee wanted to be informed of the consultation process followed to reach the decision and had already requested that the UCB appear before them. The Chair added that the Committee sought tangible results of development programmes being implemented.

Mr Smith began with brief introductory remarks. He said that there was a great deal of confusion after the scrapping of transformation quotas in July 2002. This was to be implemented at national and senior provincial level with the intention of selecting on the basis of merit. Quotas were replaced by guidelines at B - level teams, meaning that including players of colour was no longer compulsory. The responsibility for transformation now rested with leaders within provinces and no longer at national level. Provinces were now also responsible for producing players able to compete at the highest level. Mr Smith explained that the MTT was reliant on the UCB for cooperation, but that the UCB would be critical of findings. The MTT had been appointed by the Minister to investigate the claim that transformation in cricket had exceeded expectations. Intensive investigation had resulted in the document compiled with the UCB, representing the extent of the successes of transformation as well as undisputed facts and statistics.

Audit report on transformation efforts
Dr Basson presented an audit report regarding transformation efforts and added that cricket was the first code to measure transformation. Targets and measurements were done according to categories including the total number of cricketers, board and senior management representivity, selection committee and team management and representivity among scorers and umpires.

As far as administration was concerned, targets set by the UCB were not met in the area of senior management, provincial team management and selection committees and umpiring at provincial and national level. Targets were, however, met at board member level, coach representivity at provincial and national level and on the National Selection Committee. The focus of the UCB was at junior school level, while transformation at high school level would have a greater impact as the age groups here covered a wider range. Compliance with transformation at these levels should not decline as the positive impact would be lost.

Mr E Schoeman (ANC) referred to the under seventeen figures and asked why the entire category was regarded as non-compliant when only three out of thirteen areas were registered as non-compliant.

Dr Basson replied that it was not the number of provinces but the percentages of non-compliance found within those provinces that could nullify the levels of compliance in other provinces. He explained that tertiary institutions set a quota of 30% black players and 70% white players for their teams' composition. Only first teams were taken into consideration here. There were no results for club structures as transformation was almost non-existent.

Non-Compliance summary
Dr Basson then continued with a non-compliance summary. He said that the responsibility to implement transformation efforts was too complicated to be delegated to component units. The gaps should be bridged for sports-persons to become internationally competitive. Different targets should be set for each region as different demographics were prevalent in each area. Population and participation demographics were similar, but this was not reflected in team composition. Using cricket as an isolated example, he said that there should be systematic organisation in the area of demographic representation for teams to become globally competitive. He added that the general level of participation must increase or demographic representivity would not occur.

Dr Basson said that a national plan for sports was necessary with government playing a pivotal role in relation with provinces, particularly to oversee the development of the sporting community. There should be a well-structured government-sport relationship where the leadership and directional role of government is not confused with interference. Sport remained the common ground and cultural glue of the country and he reiterated that the UCB should not abandon its transformation strategy.

Provincial Transformation Committees
Ms Tshoma stated that Provincial Transformation Committees were efficient but few meetings were held. Guidelines for transformation were supposed to address a series of issues including the charter for coordination in provinces and the modus operandi within each province. Provinces were supposed to adapt and mirror the aims and objectives as set out in the UCB constitution. Nothing had been reported from the North West Province in this regard for the past three years.

There was concern about the growth of cricket in disadvantaged communities. There were bottlenecks and cricket was not showing sustainable development. Facilities were provided but problems in this regard were not addressed as too few meetings were convened for this purpose. Ms Tshoma added that there was the history of successes and failures was not being recorded. Cricket development was not effectively monitored as the authorities were not sufficiently empowered. There was little funding and Executive Committee members were disinterested and hampered progress; Provincial Monitoring Groups wanted to drive processes on their own. No special meetings were convened before the 7 July 2002 meeting, nor was there consultation or communication on important matters such as finance to sustain development programmes.

Mr Nyoka noted the UCB's claim that transformation had exceeded their expectations, but argued that seven out of nine Provincial Monitoring Committees (PMCs) did not receive any mandate to scrap transformation quotas, none had given prior approval or agreed with the claim made by the UCB. Recommendations from PMC's were to scrap the transformation quotas from the under fifteen level downwards. UCB officials themselves were reported as saying that the matter was badly handled.

Mr Nyoka said that the Transformation Monitoring Committee (TMC) had never made such recommendations and were dissatisfied with the process of decision-making. He referred to a comment made by Professor Odendaal where he had said that it was important to appease white supporters and press as they were hostile to the team and black players. The increase in black officials showed that transformation had been internalised in this area, when the minimum of three black players per team was exceeded only twice before. He said that in one season, there had been a 20% increase in senior white administration with a simultaneous 20% decrease in black senior administration. The transformation consultant was reported as being white. Mr Nyoka reiterated that the TMC had not advised the scrapping of the transformation quotas. Instead, a February 2002 meeting of the TMC advised that transformation quotas be retained and increased. However, black players were still regarded as guideline players.

Cricket unions sufficiently internalised transformation, but the minimum of three black players per team was also regarded as the maximum. Regarding the conduct of UCB officials, Mr Nyoka explained that there were a number of complaints and allegations of racial discrimination and persecution of black players and officials by their white counterparts. Concerning funding, Mr Nyoka said that money would be allocated to provinces according to the number of development clubs in the area. This system was faulty as population demographics differed from area to area and they were then responsible for any disparities. He said that committees which are representative of communities needing development needed to be the focus, so as to foster transparency and accountability.

Mr John Smith felt that the issue in question needed to be clarified. He explained that the meeting of 7 July 2002 at Kiewietskroon, based on the assumption that transformation had exceeded expectations, resulted in transformation quotas being scrapped. A press release indicated the General Council's endorsement of the decision that selection be made on merit.

Mr Smith indicated that assessments were not properly made and that the decision to scrap quotas was a mistake, resulting in a shift from transformation targets. Mr Smith went on to say that all provinces indicated that they were enforcing guidelines at senior provincial level. The only difference was that the responsibility to do so was now delegated to the provincial level and the understanding was that transformation still remained imperative, meaning that nothing had changed as far as quotas were concerned. KwaZulu Natal Province (KZN) even increased their quota to include another black player.

Mr Smith said that there was a great deal of confusion about the implications of the outcomes of the Kiewietskroon meeting. Those involved were comfortable because players without merit would not be fielded. There was unprecedented intervention on the part of the UCB in team selection. For instance, Mr Gerald Majola intervened with respect to team selection and batting order when he felt the need to do so. Although provincial structures now have a system no different to that of the quota system, Mr Smith said that senior officials were clearly not happy with the delegating of responsibility to provinces, which caused mass confusion. He emphasised that the UCB needed to play a leading role as the principle agent. Being driven from a central basis was the key to success. The transformation programme was unparalleled in its effectiveness, but scrapping it undid the successes achieved thus far. The beneficiaries of the programme had not been consulted as to the ramifications or implications of the scrapped programme.

Mr Smith urged serious reconsideration of the decision to scrap quotas and felt that erroneous analysis had resulted in the decision being taken. He said that there had not been proper analysis of demographics and he suggested an increase in transformation targets, as well as noting historical disadvantages in each province. The UCB should take responsibility for the lack of common understanding. He encouraged a consultative process with clearly defined roles to remedy the lack of structured co-operation. More should be done to Africanise cricket, meaning that provinces should produce a steady stream of players of colour. As far as funding was concerned, beneficiaries should be consulted and committees should be monitored to ensure transparency.

Address by Sport and Recreation South Africa
Mr Greg Fredericks (Sports and Recreation South Africa) informed the Committee that a meeting had been held on 10 July 2002 with the Minister after which a joint press release had been issued. The MTT was then appointed on 25 July, followed by a letter from the UCB on 26 July, voicing their dissatisfaction at the action taken. The UCB felt that they should have been consulted regarding the terms of reference, and at the handing over of the report, the UCB was not present. Mr Fredericks said that the Minister had tried to meet with the UCB before making the report public, but it had somehow been leaked to the media. Each request by the Minister to meet with the UCB had been met with the Minister being called to counter-meetings. At that time, however, the Cricket World Cup had become priority.

Discussion
The Chair thanked the MTT for the report and said that it provided a framework of sorts for transformation in general. There was no desire for conflict, but rather for collective action. She asked whether the term "of colour" referred to all non-whites or whether each group had a specific quota. She also asked whether the UCB was in fact willing to meet and discuss the report with the Minister or if they were actively undermining the Minister.

Dr Basson explained that "black" remained a generic term as long as it referred to a person of colour, but it did in fact create problems when dealing with different race groups. Buying black players from other provinces also posed a problem.

Mr Fredericks answered the second question by saying that the perception was that the UCB does not and did not want to meet with the Minister. He assured the Chair that relevant letters would be forwarded to her.

Mr I Ncinane (ANC) asked about the feelings amongst the majority of MEC's. He also asked about the non-participation of the KZN province, as well as the increase in the quota to include an additional black player. He also encouraged the Committee to take a joint approach to this issue after the meeting with the UCB.

Mr C Frolick (ANC) noted the slowing pace of transformation and issues that resultantly arise. He asked whether this indicated disunity and a regression to the apartheid method of handling issues.

Mr R Pieterse (ANC) asked when a black player stops becoming a quota player, and whether these players are selected because of the quota system, or whether they are developed to a point where they are included on the basis of their talents.

Ms C Lamani (ANC) questioned the traditions and values of white tertiary institutions and asked about intervention mechanisms in this respect. She also said that a report regarding the score-card system relating to funds and facilities would be appreciated.

Mr Schoeman commented that the issue at hand should be treated with a great deal of circumspection because there were definitely elements of confrontation prevalent. He added that sport should be viewed as a unifying factor to achieve the goals of nation-building. He also asked whether there had been any response from the UCB to dispute the findings or facts.

Mr E Lucas (IFP) said that not having a national sports plan was very serious. The UCB's refusal to meet with the Minister should not be tolerated, and there should be clarification on, inter alia, the division of quotas and guidelines. There should no longer be sidelining of race groups and everyone should be afforded equal opportunities.

Mr Smith answered that the UCB was fully aware of the relationship between themselves and the Minister. Regarding the MEC of KZN, he could only say that he was unavailable to meet with the MTT. The quota in KZN was self-imposed and there should be support for the application of affirmative measures. It would be improper for the UCB to refute this.

Dr Basson responded by saying that problems were imminent in terms of alignment and were manifested at junior school level. He explained that the Baker's Cricket interest focused exclusively on under thirteen players, taking the best of these from schools and pouring all resources into this group. This presented a serious problem as there was no framework and clubs were collapsing. Talent and potential was restricted by the inaccessibility and lack of facilities.

Regarding the slowing pace of transformation, Dr Basson agreed that this was the case as the emphasis was on representivity at provincial and national level, thereby removing the focus from lower levels. He strongly suggested alignment to a strategy. Concerning tertiary education, he said that it used to be a natural process to be nurtured throughout school with an abundance of resources exclusive to some and denied to others. He said that clubs and tertiary institutions should be grouped together as the bottle-neck occurred here and it was imperative to address this problem. Dr Basson said that these institutions were still very elitist but a plan needs to be put in place.

Mr Fredericks said that there were two provinces in which school sports required that all children compete with one another.

Mr Nyoka elaborated on this and mentioned that township schools do not play as individual teams, but that composite teams were sent to play against other schools. The UCB contributed only half of the R22 million (R11 million) to building facilities in townships, while it gave R12 million for a media facility. Funds for the development of black players were directed to other uses.

Ms Tshoma added that demarcations were important to consider, as well as accessibility, particularly with regard to the Bakers Cricket programme, as this had not yet reached all areas. Miscommunication was a problem, especially where language differences were concerned. There was also a great deal of protectionism of positions held and development was hampered because funds do not reach the places they should.

Mr Smith added that a time-plan was to be devised, but the Cricket World Cup had become top priority at the time.

Mr Kgware: Chairperson, Select Committee on Education and Recreation, thanked the MTT for their comprehensive report and reiterated the point that there should be further and more in-depth discussion of this issue between themselves, the Portfolio Committee and the relevant parties.

The Chairperson said that this issue had not come to the fore earlier because the staging of the Cricket World Cup in South Africa would have confused a number of issues. She noted that the undermining of the Minister by the UCB was not to be tolerated and that the behaviour of officials should be revisited and discussed. If a policy was in place, it should be implemented and strictly adhered to without exception. All parties involved should be brought together to resolve the issue.

The meeting was adjourned.

Appendix
INFORMATION SERVICES: RESEARCH
2 June 2003
ANALYSIS OF THE REPORT BY THE MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO TRANSFORMATION IN CRICKET

INTRODUCTION
At a conference held at Kievits Kroon on 7 July 2002, he United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) resolved to scrap transformation quotas at the level of national teams and senior provincial sides, and select teams purely on merit. At the level of B Teams and teams below that level, quotas were replaced by two guidelines, viz. that all provincial B Teams and teams below this level should contain at least 50% players of colour; and that these teams should contain at least one black African player. This has become known as the Kievits Kroon Resolution.

The Minister of Sport and Recreation announced on 18 July 2002 that he had appointed a Committee of Inquiry to test the validity of the claim made by the UCB that, "South African cricket had grown beyond its own expectations when targets for transformation were set three years ago". The Committee began its investigation on 7 August 2002.

KEY FINDINGS
General

The Committee of Inquiry found that:

Despite an initial reticence on the part of some of the role players, there has been an acceptable level of cooperation with the Committee.

The transformation quota system, albeit in a different guise, i.e. guidelines, in essence still remained in place. It was only the responsibility for enforcing and monitoring those systems that have been shifted to provincial level.

Since the Kievits Kroon Resolution, the enforcement and monitoring of quotas or 'guidelines' have in many instances, been even more rigorously enforced and monitored.

Achievements
The Committee of Inquiry found that:

Overall, significant progress has been made with regard to transformation.

Griqualand West has surpassed all the other provinces insofar as the development of all its black communities is concerned. This is reflected not only in the composition of its cricket teams, but also in the composition of the Board and Executive Committees.

The picture is also positive in KwaZulu-Natal, where, in addition to a progressive selection policy, the province has more contracted African players than Boland and Western Province put together.

Shortcomings in the transformation process
The most important finding of the Committee is that the UCB's statement to the effect that it had achieved transformation targets "beyond all expectations", is not borne out by the evidence. All the Committee's findings with regard to the transformation performance of the UCB flows from this fundamental conclusion. These findings include the following:

The UCB's development programme has failed to make significant inroads into black African communities - for example, in premier leagues, teams based in African communities make up under 10% of the total number of clubs.

There continue to be disparities in the allocation of funds, particularly in light of the fact that so many historically disadvantaged communities continue to be under-resourced in terms of facilities.

The legacy of South Africa's apartheid past continues to impact negatively on the sporting sector. This manifests itself particularly in the absence of adequate facilities in historically disadvantaged communities as this compromises the ability of black and white cricketers to compete on an equal footing. The problem of lack of adequate facilities applies in particular to African communities.

Compliance by all provinces with regard to transformation was about 20% of the categories within which targets were set. The lowest levels of non-compliance were the 'Coaches' and 'Primary School' categories. The next problematic areas were at the 'Umpire' and 'Scorer' ranks, followed by the 'Provincial and National Administration', 'Selection and Team Management' and 'High School' categories.

The provinces which scored highest in the non-compliance category were Gauteng (more than 60% non-compliant) and North West (50% non-compliant). These provinces were followed by Northerns, Griqualand West, Easterns, Free State, Border, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Province. Boland and Western Province had the lowest non-compliance level of 13%.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations proposed by the Committee of Inquiry were based on a recognition of the fact that the socio-economic inequalities bequeathed by the apartheid era require that an active transformation agenda continues to be followed in cricket, and that it be driven from the top. The recommendations put forward were:

The UCB should, as a matter of urgency, ensure that the Kievits Kroon Resolution is rescinded.

The UCB should, after a due process of consultation, increase the transformation targets contained in the Transformation Charter.

The UCB Executive Committee should resume its responsibility for transformation.

Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) should set in motion a consultative process whereby a Transformation Charter would result. This Charter should clearly define the respective roles of Government and the various sporting codes.

The definition of transformation targets should be revised in line with the original motivation to encourage provinces to produce their own players under the transformation programme. Accordingly, players of colour who are purchased from other provinces, or who have been, or are still, contracted to the National team, should be excluded from these targets.

The transformation programme should focus in particular, on the development of black African players, administrators and officials.

The UCB should focus its efforts on provinces such as Gauteng, Free State and Northerns, where the bulk of infrastructure is located, but which have been the slowest in transforming.

There should be separate accounts for development funds, as well as proper liaison and consultation with historically disadvantaged communities with regard to the utilisation of these funds.

The UCB should retain the system of monitoring undertaken by the National and Provincial Monitoring Committees. Members of these committees should be objective and independent.


Issues to consider

What has been the response of the UCB to the findings of the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry?
To what extent has the UCB accepted the findings of the Ministerial Committee of Inquiry?
What specific strategies flowing from the Committee's recommendations are being implemented by the UCB?
How will SRSA monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Committee's recommendations by the UCB, particularly those aimed at addressing the problem of inadequate facilities in historically disadvantaged communities?
The UCB's transformation programme has to be implemented within the context of widespread poverty and unemployment in South Africa. In light of this, what strategies are being devised to address these fundamental obstacles?