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Cricket South Africa (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images)
- CSA chastised independent board member Dr. Eugenia Kula-Ameyaw on Wednesday for a tweet criticizing Momentum’s decision to withdraw its sponsorship.
- His post, which some suggest had racial undertones, suggested the company was acting “irrationally.”
- The matter has been referred to the social and ethical committee of CSA.
In stark contrast to its perception of lack of responsibility over the past year, the leadership of Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday gave an independent director Eugenia Kula-Ameyaw a slap on the wrist after a controversial social media post targeting Momentum.
The warring federation also stated that it “sincerely apologizes” for the “unfortunate and unjustified tweets.”
The financial services company confirmed Tuesday that it would not renew its sponsorship agreement with CSA in regards to development, amateur and limited cricket for not being “satisfied with the current situation” in terms of “governance and other reputational issues”.
The contract ends in April next year.
Kula-Ameyaw, chair of CSA’s transformation committee, responded with a tweet arguing that the company “forgets that we invested hundreds of millions in Momentum in our investments and state-owned company pension funds,” adding “(j) ust verify before making an irrational decision. “
Subsequently, the tweet has been deleted.
What makes it particularly awkward is the fact that Momentum will remain the title sponsor for Proteas’ women’s side until 2023.
“CSA sincerely apologizes to Momentum for the unfortunate and unjustified tweets made by one of our Board members, in a personal capacity. CSA wishes to reiterate that Dr. Eugenia Kula-Ameyaw did not act in her professional capacity as a non-executive member of the CSA board, “CSA Acting President Beresford Williams said in a statement.
“While we respect the personal views of all South Africans, CSA wishes to distance itself from the articulations made by Dr. Kula-Ameyaw on Twitter. We further wish to reiterate that CSA does not endorse the views expressed regarding Momentum and we sincerely value the benefits. Momentum and all of our sponsors contribute to make cricket accessible and inclusive for all South Africans. “
The matter will now be referred to the CSA ethics and social committee for investigation, after which “necessary corrective action” will be taken.
“CSA is taking this matter very seriously and in light of the reputational damage it could cause,” the statement continued.
“As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the reputation of Cricket South Africa, the organization’s management will re-educate all of its internal stakeholders to better understand its social media policy and ensure that employees at all levels understand the value. provided by sponsors and supporters. “
CSA noted that Momentum had made a “substantial contribution to the improvement of cricket”.
– Compiled by Heinz Schenk
