30 July 2020 – The death of George Floyd, a black American man at the hands of American
policemen has led to a resurgence in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and
global solidarity with protests and demonstrations around the world.
For centuries as part of European imperial expansion, there has been discrimination
of people all over the world, on the basis of their skin colour. From this discrimination
flowed an unequal treatment of black and indigenous people by European colonists –
who were invariably white. In some areas of the world, the system of discrimination
was imposed by law, while in others, it became the norm over time. These practices
and laws produced not only material accumulation but, more importantly, also created
a mentality of superiority amongst most of them who gained from it at the expense of
black people in general.
The enslavement of black people and indigenous people from Africa (especially Goree
Island, Senegal), Australia, America, the West Indies, India and South East Asia left a
mental residue of white superiority which still continues to play itself out daily – without
any sense of compunction. In many instances, the resultant psychological
dehumanisation is sometimes worse than physical harm to the victims. Those who
have this mentality of superiority, often facilitate and enable racial tension, and worsen
the impact on the black community.
Part of the mechanism of the aforementioned system, was separate educational
systems. Black children were being taught differently and the best education, sporting
instruction and facilities were reserved for white children. This second-class education
system became the norm and accepted because many victims thereof knew no better.
No wonder Sir Frank Worrell established the outstanding West Indies cricket team in
the 1950’s and 1960’s to illustrate that black people were as capable of human
endeavour and achievements as their white counterparts. This was not intended to
replace white domination with black domination, but rather to rise from slavery into
equality. It was for the liberation of the body and mind.
Similarly, Steven Bantu Biko, in his book I Write What I Like, wrote of his explanation
to Senator Dick Clarke of the American Congress, “We are looking forward to a nonracial,
just and egalitarian society in which colour, creed and race shall form no point
of reference. We have deliberately chosen to operate openly because we have
believed for a very long time that through processed organised bargaining, we can
penetrate even the deafest of white ears and get the message to register that no lie
can live forever. In doing this we rely not only on our own strength but also on the
belief that the rest of the world views the oppression and blatant exploitation of the
black majority by a minority as an unforgivable sin that cannot be pardoned by civilised
societies” (Biko. 1978, pp. 158 – 159).
So, in simple terms, what the BLM movement seeks to achieve, is a complete
recognition to be seen and heard as equals, and respect for black people all over the
world. The BLM movement is a continuance of the Civil Rights movement, in which Dr
Martin Luther King Jr was a leader, the anti-apartheid movement and the United
Democratic Front in South Africa – all of which had the same basic objectives – social
justice and equality for all.
For as long as the superiority mentality exists, we will see racism, and there will be
attempts to push back against movements like BLM. But until proper equality for all is
achieved, these movements will rise and serve as a reminder of what discrimination –
especially violence against black bodies of women and men – has caused. The call
for supporting this movement by Lungisani Ngidi is, therefore, not misplaced, nor is it
superficial. It seeks to draw attention to the BLM movement. For his courage, this
young person is to be applauded. His call needs to be heeded by all and the movement
strengthened.
A few former South African cricketers took issue with Lungisani’s call and indicated
that they would support his call in supporting the BLM movement if he were to support
the call to stop the killing of white farmers. This is rich. Because they once represented
South Africa on the field, they assume they have the right to challenge Ngidi’s rights –
which are grounded in South Africa’s Constitution and Bill of Rights. They seem to
forget that their opportunity to play international cricket would not have occurred if
black cricket had not acceded to the formation of one body to represent South African
cricket. Nor would South Africa have been able to become a member of the
International Cricket Council. The formation of one cricket body in South Africa, sought
to contribute to the dismantling of apartheid and its iniquitous laws, to create a nonracial
and equal cricket board in a non-racial society. It should be remembered that
racist South African cricket was in fact expelled from playing against any nation
precisely because of the apartheid laws which were central to preventing Basil
D’Oliveira from representing England in South Africa in 1968.
The response to Lungisani, focusing on the killings of white farmers was meant to
reduce the importance of the principles of the BLM movement, rendering their
“support” conditional. Trade-offs in this context can never give rise to true and proper
support because it lacks the necessary commitment and is an insult to both the causes
which is sought to be supported. Those who raise these kinds of arrogant responses,
are exposed in more than one way, including not being fully committed to the BLM
principle, which is fundamentally anti-racist. Of course, no murder can be condoned,
but should rather be condemned in the strongest terms, be it white farmers, or any
person from areas like Soshanguve, Chatsworth, Umlazi, Mitchells Plain, or
Helenvale, where many people, including women and children are killed daily.
To a large extent, sport played an important role in the changes that occurred in South
Africa, especially between 1983 and 1994. Sport was intrinsically bound in the process
of establishing a non-racial society and the Bill of Rights, included in the current South
African Constitution.
It is for these reasons that the Progressive Eastern Cape Cricket Community
aligns itself with the movement and the call to support BLM.
The Progressive Eastern Cape Cricket Community includes:
Richard Dolley – Eastern Province Cricket Board member and former provincial and national cricketer;
Ashwell Frans – Former provincial cricketer;
Errol Heynes – Former Eastern Province Cricket Board member;
Danny Jordaan – Former provincial cricketer and soccer player;
Zak Limbada – Eastern Province Cricket Board member and Warriors Franchise Board member;
Mongezi Majola – Former provincial and national cricketer;
Vicky Naidoo – Founding member of Cresents Cricket Club (Malabar Cricket Club);
Simphiwe Ndzundzu – Border Cricket Board President;
Loyiso Nkantsu – Eastern Province Cricket Board member and Warriors Franchise Board member;
Vusi Pikoli – Former Cricket South Africa Board member;
Ronnie Pillay – Warriors Cricket Franchise Board Chairman;
Melcolm Roberts – Eastern Province Cricket Schools President;
Zola Yeye – Warriors Franchise Board Member;
Gelvandale Cricket Club (Port Elizabeth);
Malabar Cricket Club (Port Elizabeth);
United Cricket Club (Port Elizabeth).