Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has voiced his opinion in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign. After hearing several opinions, the Proteas decided to send a strong message on racial discrimination which according to him still prevails in South Africa.
South Africa has a long history of black people suffering during Apartheid. To end racial segregation, cricket played a major role to unify black and white people in South Africa. At that time, Rebel tours were hosted and several teams toured there to play the series though ICC didn’t give those series an official recognition.
However, currently, the issue of racism rose after George Floyd lost his life in the United States of America(USA). Several cricketers came out in the support of the campaign. West Indies cricketer Darren Sammy was the first cricketer to start the conversation. South African youngster Lungi Nigdi also raised his opinion which was criticised by several former cricketers.
Faf du Plessis also didn’t hold back his thoughts either. He admitted that injustice is all around and one must be careful about choosing battles. He even said that ‘all lives didn’t matter UNTIL black lives matter.’
Here is Faf du Plessis message for everyone:
“In the last couple of months, I have realised that we must choose our battles. We are surrounded by many injustices in our country that require urgent attention and action to fix them.”
“So, I’ve remained silent, with the intent to listen, but not respond. Slowing down my point of view, but quicker to hear the pain of someone else. I surrender my opinions and take the knee as an intercessor.
“I acknowledge that South Africa is still hugely divided by racism and it is my personal responsibility to do my best to emphasize, hear the stories, learn and then be part of the solution with my thoughts, words and actions.”
“So I am saying that all lives don’t matter UNTIL black lives matter. I’m speaking up now, because if I wait to be perfect, I never will. I want to leave a legacy of empathy.”