The governing body have concluded the allegations of racial prejudice against the current South Africa men's head coach could not be substantiated
Cricket South Africa have dropped charges of gross misconduct relating to possible incidents of racial prejudice against men's head coach Mark Boucher.
The charges were made following the Social Justice and Nation-Building hearings report which made "tentative findings", and after an internal enquiry in the wake of assistant coach Enoch Nkwe's resignation.
Ex-teammate Paul Adams, who has since accepted an apology, implicated Boucher at the hearings but both he and Nkwe have indicated they do not wish to testify against the former wicketkeeper.
Furthermore, CSA's lawyers have concluded that none of the three allegations, which included his handling of the Black Live Matter movement, were sustainable after exchanges with other potential witnesses.
Last month's clearing of Graeme Smith, an ex-director of cricket and captain, of racism at an independent arbitration also contributed to the decision.
"CSA has at all times been committed to dealing with the SJN issues in a manner that treats them with utmost seriousness but also ensures fairness, due process and finality," said CSA board chair Lawson Naidoo.
Enoch Nkwe's resignation produced further allegations against Boucher (Christiaan Kotze/Getty Images)
"The decision to withdraw the charges brings about finality on these issues for CSA and Mark and allows the focus to return to the cricket field – where we trust that Mark and the Proteas will go from strength to strength.
He added: "The SJN process was never only or even mainly about the conduct of individuals.
"More fundamentally, it was about providing a platform for persons involved in cricket to share their personal experiences of racial and gender discrimination and to allow for careful consideration of the systemic measures necessary to redress these issues going forward for the future.
"The SJN process has certainly achieved that and the Board is confident that the current team enjoys a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity.
"The board will in the near future announce further systemic initiatives in this regard.
"The systemic learnings from the SJN process will provide valuable input into the values, behaviours, culture and strategy of Cricket in SA going forward and we thank all participants for their contributions in this regard."
Graeme Smith was cleared last month (Brenton Geach/Getty Images)
Boucher was facing three charges relating to his conduct as a player - he played 147 Tests, 295 one-day internationals and 25 T20Is for The Proteas - and while as head coach, a role he has held since 2019.
"The allegations of racism which were levelled against me were unjustified and have caused me considerable hurt and anguish," the 45-year-old said in a statement.
"The last few months have been extremely difficult to endure for me and my family.
"I am glad that the process has finally come to an end and that CSA has accepted that the charges against me are unsustainable.
"I consider that the matter is now finalised and closed and I do not intend on making further statements on this matter.
"I look forward to continuing to focus on my job and to taking the Proteas men's team to even greater heights."
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