Deadline for responses to SJN allegations could be extended

Various requests have been made for an extension of the deadline for those who want to respond to allegations made against them during the Social Justice and Nation Building Project (SJN) hearings.

The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Social Justice and Nation Building Project (SJN) hearings are set to resume on Monday, 23 August 2021. This follows a recess to allow persons or organisations who were mentioned adversely during the course of the hearings to formally respond to allegations levelled against them.

During the explosive hearings, former Proteas spinner Paul Adams, for example, revealed how he was racially discriminated against by former South African teammates, including current coach Mark Boucher, during his time as a Proteas player.

Speaking at the SJN hearings, Adams revealed several instances of racial discrimination, including being nicknamed “brown s***” by his teammates, across his playing and coaching career.

Boucher has yet to respond publicly, but has previously stated that he would take time to consider a right of reply, while some reports have suggested he requested a meeting with Adams.

Meanwhile, CSA confirmed on Wednesday that the Office of the Transformation Ombudsman (OTO) has received requests from various parties to extend the deadline that has been set to allow for proper preparedness for responses.

Consequently, the Transformation Ombudsman, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza SC, formally invites those who were mentioned adversely to forward short written submissions stating whether or not they require an extension of time in order to respond, and if so, the reasons for requesting additional time.

“I also call upon Werksmans, the Legal Resource to the OTO, who are acting as Evidence Leaders in the hearings to file their own written submissions either in reaction to such requests for postponement as may be requested, or merely to express their views on why the hearings should proceed as scheduled on 23 August 2021,” said the Transformation Ombudsman, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza SC.

“On Monday, 23 August 2021, both parties – those representing persons or organisations who were mentioned to their detriment and the Evidence Leaders must prepare to present oral arguments in support of their stance on whether there should be an extension of time,” added Advocate Ntsebeza SC.

The Transformation Ombudsman will consider both written and oral submissions and thereafter decide on the resumption of the hearings.

The deadline for the submission is Thursday, 19 August 2021.

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