Dylan Bettencourt
Proteas bowler Lungi Ngidi believes South Africa needs to address the widespread problem of racism rather than ignoring it.
Ngidi has been South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year as well as twice being in the winning team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
But there are stories that his parents told him that resonate with him to this day.
“My dad was a petrol attendant and a white customer wouldn’t put the money in his hand. He threw it on the ground,” he told The Guardian.
“I don’t think I’ll ever lose that story. For my dad to go on in life as if everything was fine took a lot of courage but this is how they raised me. The stories they shared were eye-opening and painful to hear, because those scars never really heal.”
Ngidi and the Proteas will start their tour of England on Tuesday after drawing their series against India in June.
The Proteas themselves have faced several racial battles, more recently when Ngidi was asked in 2020 if the team would support the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd in Ameirca.
“It’s definitely something I believe we will address as a team and if not it’s something I would bring up. It’s something that we need to take seriously like the rest of the world is doing,” he said during a press conference.
“We need to make a stand. As a nation we also have a past that was very difficult in terms of racial discrimination.”
Some South Africans did not take kindly to Ngidi’s words and attacked the bowler online adding that he and the team should rather pledge support to white farmers in the country.
“I was very surprised because I didn’t step on anyone’s toes. I didn’t attack anyone. But I understand the history of our country and racism is a factor within South Africa that needs to be addressed,” he said in response.
Cricket South Africa launched its social justice hearings into racial discrimination where several accounts of racism within the team were shared. This lead to the release of director and former captain Graeme Smith.
“Having these uncomfortable conversations is the only way to move forward. Sweeping stuff under the rug never helps anyone,” Ngidi said.
The Proteas took the knee for the first time two years after the Black Lives Matter Movement began before a game in a Twenty20 World Cup game against the West Indies.
Image source: @SACricketMag
