Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Irene today.
The AGM heard from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture the Honorable Nathi Mthethwa as he credited CSA for its efficient governance in the last 12 months, while acknowledging the work that needs to be done to cement unity within the various aspects of CSA.
“With another year’s lessons learnt, I am sure that Cricket SA knows exactly what needs to be done, to reclaim its place in the community of cricket nations,” the Minister commented. “That goal, however, cannot be achieved by maintaining a laissez faire approach to leadership. We have to be bold in the way we lead and decisive in our decision-making, if we are not to be overtaken by events.
“I will continue to look at both Rihan and Lawson to do your utmost in dismantling all the artificial barriers that prevent the talented administrators and players, we have, from performing at their best.”
In his opening remarks, CSA President, Rihan Richards noted the sweeping changes in the global cricket landscape, which challenges cricket organizations to adapt to be relevant and competitive.
“We live in the ever-changing cricket scenery. There are shifts everywhere around us. There are raging debates around the sustainability of certain formats of cricket. There is the shifting sponsorship landscape. The outlook of our fan-base and their expectations are evolving all the time. These realities enjoin us to also adapt with the times. Of course, there is no formula for survival except, perhaps, an unconditional acceptance of what is, what it brings, and reinvent ourselves accordingly,” said Richards.
“We need to be capable of adjusting, molding, and evolving to be on par if not ahead of the curve. We shouldn’t be shaken or rattled by change; it is part of continuity which assures the survival of the game. And continuity gives us roots, change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. This is what we should concern ourselves with. This is the legacy that we should create and leave behind for the game we have been called to serve,” he continued.
“However, in the process of adapting to change, we shouldn’t forego our founding philosophies and principles. We need to unite for forge a formidable front as we confront the challenges of change. We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond,” Richards concluded
Presenting CSA organizational overview, Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo, pointed out that the first year of this Board has been about restoration and rebuilding: governance, internal and external stakeholder relationships, and operations.
“Having reviewed CSA’s existing strategy, the Board revised and developed a new organisational strategy underpinned by three fundamental pillars – Access, Excellence and Inclusivity – to be embedded throughout the organisation. This 5-year strategy (2022–2027) includes focus areas which resonate with our vision to make cricket in South Africa the most accessible, inclusive, and globally competitive sport.
“Cricket, as a sport, has the most diverse fan base in the country, and it is imperative that everyone feels welcome and is able to identify with our game. Therefore, fair demographic representation at all levels of the game is paramount. The strategic pillars of Access, Excellence and Inclusivity, must be embedded in all we do to ensure that change is progressive and meaningful,” Naidoo said.
“Significant progress has been made on these priorities, but we know that much more needs to be done. The financial challenges facing cricket remain with us, but we are managing our finances with a long-term sustainability approach to ensure that CSA is in a stronger financial position in years to come,” he concluded.
The organisation displayed signs of resilience against the negative financial impact of COVID-19.
This is due to the financial sustainability initiatives specifically relating to revenue enhancement and
diversification, as well as cost containment. CSA reported an improvement in its profit decline in the past year with a R197 874m loss for the year, in comparison to a loss of R221 023m in the previous year. This represents a year-on-year improvement of 10.9%. A cash balance of R272 million was reported.
ELECTIONS
Non-independent Directors
- John Mogodi and Craig Nel were re-elected to serve as Non-independent Directors.
Independent Directors - There were three vacancies for Independent Directors on the CSA Board following the retirement of Andisa Ntsubane, Dr. Simo Lushaba and Mark Rayner in accordance with the Companies Act Schedule 1 and the prescripts of the MOI clause 19.3. which states that one third of the Independent Directors retire.
- Andisa Ntsubane and Dr. Simo Lushaba chose not to avail themselves for re-election due to other commitments.
- Mark Rayner was re-elected to continue serving on the Board.
- Palesa Kadi and Pearl Maphoshe, were elected to serve as Independent Directors.
Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson - The appointment of the Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson was deferred.
Application for Membership
The Kwa-Zulu Natal Inland Cricket Union has been reinstated as an Affiliate of CSA.
NOTE: The Integrated Report is available to download here. AGM proceedings can be accessed through this audio link here.
