Cape Town - South Africa's Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, has welcomed the swift response and strong action taken by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to allegations of match-fixing leveled against Gulam Bodi and other suspected cricketers.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mbalula wrote:
The disdain with which Cricket South Africa has shown against those self-seeking elements within the code whose motives are to exploit the most vulnerable athletes and thereby corrupting this beautiful game is commendable. Cricket South Africa must continue with its custodial duties of safeguarding sport by leaving no stone unturned in its investigation of this disdainful practice. CSA must pro-actively install preventative measures to protect our athletes from these parasites and vultures.
South African cricket is gradually regaining its original grandeur and it is indeed pleasing to watch young and exuberant players in the likes of Rabada and Bavuma coming through the ranks and naturally taking their rightful place in our provincial and national teams.
Mbalula is meeting the leadership of CSA this evening to receive a comprehensive report on the magnitude of match-fixing and to deliberate on what is to be done to safeguard cricket.