Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Veronica van Dyk MP
Today, the DA issued Cricket South Africa (CSA) with a letter of demand to reinstate David Teeger as Captain of South Africa’s Under-19 Cricket Team. CSA announced Teeger’s removal last week, following alleged security concerns.
Should CSA refuse to reinstate Teeger as captain, before close of business 19 January 2024, the DA will submit an official complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission.
The removal of Teeger as captain has caused international condemnation, with Senators from the Australian Parliament now writing to Cricket Australia over CSA’s apparent fear of danger to players, teams and spectators.
Widely circulated media reports show that CSA’s decision was nothing more than a fabrication to try and justify the political pressure from the ANC government. This attempt to deceive the South African public is not only acting in bad faith but has caused an international scandal.
The scandal has now resulted in countries such as Australia questioning whether South Africa is even safe to host the tournament and whether the International Cricket bodies were briefed by South Africa on these supposed security threats.