Cricket South Africa confirms the organisation stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement as sporting bodies around the world continue to take a stand against racism.

In a statement released to the media on Thursday afternoon, CSA uttered its vision as a non-racial and unified national sporting code.

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Acting CEO Jacques Faul said the governing body has a responsibility to use its platform to influence people’s thinking and actions when it comes to the sensitive topic of racism.

‘Black Lives Matter. It is as simple as that,’ said Faul.

‘As a national sporting body representing more than 56 million South Africans and with the privileged position of owning a platform as large as we do, it is of vital importance that we use our voice to educate and listen to others on topics involving all forms of discrimination.

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‘During our celebrations of Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July, CSA will further spread the message of anti-racism through the BLM campaign while we also speak out against all forms of violence and in particular, the scourge that is Gender Based Violence and various other causes that are of importance to our society and the organization.’

Next weekend’s inaugural 3TCricket Solidarity Cup will be held on the former president’s birthday as South Africans across the country pay tribute to the life Mandela.

Cricket in particular has come into the spotlight in recent days after former West Indies fast-bowler Michael Holding broke down in tears during a live broadcast of the England-West Indies game, while speaking about racism in the game.

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CSA Director of Cricket Graeme Smith also said that the organisation is exploring effective and creative ways to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

‘We are very aware of what’s going on around the world and of our role at CSA,’ Smith said earlier this week.

‘My belief in these things is that it’s important to have buy-in and that of everyone invested in it as well, and I have no doubt that will be the case. But the discussion in each team environment and as CSA about how we handle it going forward is important.

‘We do have the 3TC approaching on Mandela Day, where we are doing a lot for charity, and that will be our first occasion with the BLM movement. But as far as our iconic men’s and women’s teams are concerned there needs to be discussion.’