Cricket South Africa has postponed the Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) public hearings, with the Transformation Ombud and interim board seeking ‘clarity regarding the process’.

The hearings were due to begin on Monday where a number of current and former black cricket players would provide testimonies on discrimination within the country’s cricketing structures.

CSA released a statement this past Sunday evening after the interim board met with ombud advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza SC.

According to the statement, both parties agreed to postpone the hearings in order to ensure a ‘fair and transparent process’.

‘The process is on track, however it has become clear that there needs to be clarity regarding the process of any public hearings,’ the ombud stated.

‘Failure to do so may compromise the legitimacy of any process embarked upon. My office will therefore be taking legal counsel as regards a proper process for any such hearings. I therefore welcome the postponement to ensure such procedural fairness.’

Interim board chairman Stavros Nicolaou added that it’s important that the correct legal route be followed with the hearings.

‘Transformation is a national, not only a sporting, imperative and CSA remains firmly committed to the deep work of transforming sport and society. We are grateful to the Ombud for his commitment to the process and to those who have sought to participate in it. We have agreed with the Ombud that further legal clarity regarding the proposed hearings is imperative. Once we have such clarity, the process will continue,’ Nicolaou said.