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The Proteas faced criticism after choosing not to kneel before their limited games of overs against England in November; South Africa and Sri Lanka are playing test cricket for the first time since January
Last Updated: 12/26/20 2:41 pm
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South African cricketers raised their fists before the first test against Sri Lanka at Centurion to show their “continued commitment” to the Black Lives Matter movement.
South African cricketers raised their fists before the first test against Sri Lanka at Centurion to show their “continued commitment” to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The South African cricket team has expressed its “continued commitment” to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement by raising its fists before the first Test Match of its series against Sri Lanka.
The Proteas faced criticism after choosing not to kneel before their limited overs matches against England in November, their first international matches since the death of American George Floyd in May sparked global protests.
A statement was issued in November saying the squad had reached a unanimous decision not to kneel, with its commitment to anti-racism described as “a process, not an event.”
However, a new statement, released on the morning of the first match of the series against Sri Lanka in Centurion, revealed a shift in focus.
South African players Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla and Temba Bavuma raise their fists before the first test against Sri Lanka
“We, as a Proteas team, have repeatedly stated our unmistakable support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign. We have openly debated the issue numerous times with the media and with each other, and are committed to continuing to do so this work together, “the statement said.
“We continue to own our journey and our previously stated stance on this issue (Player Statement and Press Release dated November 25). We recognize that our actions are likely to result in criticism from a community, one way or another, but We work to prioritize the team, be honest about our own learning journey, and continue to make decisions that we can make in conscience as a team, first and foremost, and as individuals.
“To this end, we have made the decision, through a process of deep democracy, to raise our fists at the beginning of the Test Against Sri Lanka series as a gesture to express our ongoing commitments.”
Colin Kaepernick knelt during the US national anthem before NFL games
Athletes competing in various sports around the world, including the England cricket team ahead of their summer series against the West Indies, have shown their support for the Black Lives Movement by kneeling before games, a gesture popularized by the former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.
Premier League footballers have continued to make the gesture throughout the 2020-21 season, with a recent poll from the Professional Footballers Association showing overwhelming support from players.
South Africa’s stance on this is likely to face increased scrutiny due to the country’s history of racism, as its apartheid system only ended in 1990.
The Proteas continue to operate a quota system that stipulates that six players of color must be selected on each team, two of whom must be black African.
South African players raise fists in support of the Black Lives Matter movement
“We recognize that gestures have histories and contexts, that they have meaning beyond themselves (both positive and negative) and that these gestures can be open to misinterpretation. Symbols also serve to communicate shared values and meanings.
“We think it’s important to note that while American football quarterback Colin Kaepernick is now known for initiating the kneeling gesture, he began his protest by sitting down during the singing of the United States of America (USA) anthem. The decision to take the knee was a response to its context and a desire to possess a gesture that had deep meaning in the political environment of the United States.
“Along the same lines as Kaepernick, we would like to use our sports platform to raise awareness about an issue that matters deeply in this historic moment. We want to do it in a way that unites us around a gesture that belongs to us, that speaks of and resonates in our South African context, and that is connected to our own history of fighting for human rights.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a civil rights gesture at the 1968 Olympics
“The raised fist is a powerful gesture in our own history, as expressed in the iconic images of Nelson and Winnie Mandela of Mandela’s release from prison in 1990. In this context, it was a powerful gesture of triumph, an acknowledgment of the fight against apartheid and the commitment to continue fighting for equality, justice and freedom, while respecting the religious and cultural responsibilities of each member of our team.
“The raised fist has a long history within the civil rights movement as well. It has also been used iconically in sports. For example, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists during a medal ceremony in the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, which was later referred to as a “salute to human rights.” More recently it has been used within the BLM movement.
“We recognize the historical and political connotations of the raised fist as a gesture of permanent solidarity in the fight for racial justice and work against racism. Therefore, we stand united and raise our fists as a gesture of solidarity and commitment to continue the work of pursuing racial justice in our lives “
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