Former South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis has put forth his views on systemic racism still prevalent in his country and voiced support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
The killing of George Floyd by white police officers in Minneapolis has sparked widespread protests against racism and structural injustices across the world.
“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,” the 36-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“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 knew that words would be lacking and that my understanding is not close to where it needs to be.”
“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,” du Plessis added.
The former South African captain acknowledged that he was wrong in the past where he outrightly rejected any talks of racism. He said “we don’t see colour” when asked about Temba Bavuma being dropped from the Test team.
“I have gotten it wrong before. Good intentions were failed by a lack of perspective when I said on a platform that – I don’t see colour. In my ignorance I silenced the struggles of others by placing my own view on it,” the Proteas star added.
The explosive batsman extended unconditional solidarity to the BLM movement.
“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,” concluded Du Plessis.
