Grateful that I have been cleared of racism allegations: Graeme Smith

Former South African captain Graeme Smith is quite pleased as his name has been cleared of racism allegations that were brought out during the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) process. Four charges were imposed on Smith which included racial discrimination with costs, however, Independent arbitrators Ngwako Maenetje SC and Michael Bishop cleared him of all the charges.

During the 2021 SJN process, allegations were imposed on Smith to have racially discriminated the former Proteas player Thami Tsolekile during their playing days between 2012 and 2014. However, the arbitration award released by Cricket South Africa has stated that there was no evidentiary basis to conclude against Smith.

I’m just pleased that we have now gone through a robust arbitration process: Graeme Smith

Smith mentioned that he was delighted to have his name cleared of the charges and noted that he has never let down his country in any form of responsibility. He added that the allegations had taken a toll on him and his family and felt that it has impacted the credit that South Africa cricket deserves for its improved performances of late. He also reckoned that he was completely vindicated to have gone through a robust arbitration process before independent arbitrators.

“I’m grateful that my name has finally been cleared. I’ve always given SA cricket my utmost, as a player, captain and administrator, over the last 20 years. So, to hear these baseless allegations of racism being made has been extremely difficult, both for me and my family. It has been exhausting and distracting, not least because SA cricket has also been going through a well-publicised rebuilding process which has required a lot of attention,” Smith said in a statement according to Business Day.

“I’m just pleased that we have now gone through a robust arbitration process before independent, objective arbitrators and I have been completely vindicated,” he added. Graeme Smith is one of the greatest batters to have played in his country and he is the most successful captain of South Africa across formats.