The question “What would Siya Kolisi do?” is not entirely fair. Kolisi, as captain of the Springboks rugby team, will never face a challenge like leading his side against Afghanistan. Temba Bavuma, however, is in a different position, as he leads South Africa’s men’s cricket team in an upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
Afghanistan, under a government known for oppressive laws, particularly against women, echoes the racial oppression black and brown South Africans faced under apartheid. When asked about his thoughts on playing against such a regime, Bavuma said, “I support the idea of inclusivity and caring for women. We want a fair chance within society. We know that that is relevant to us as a country in South Africa.”
Kolisi, one of South Africa’s most beloved figures after leading the Springboks to World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, has also become an outspoken advocate against gender-based violence (GBV). After a victory over the All Blacks in August, he acknowledged South Africa’s progress but stressed, “There are many people who are still not free… the next celebration we have is for the women who are free of GBV.”
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s oppressive laws continue, with women facing harsh restrictions since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. In response, Australia has refused to play bilateral series against Afghanistan, while other countries, including South Africa, have followed the ICC’s position of separating cricket from political matters.
When asked about South Africa’s stance, Bavuma expressed his support for the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), which called on Cricket South Africa to use the series to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of Afghan women. “I’m fully behind the sentiments expressed by SACA,” Bavuma said, while also acknowledging that players must focus on their job on the field.
GBV remains a serious issue in South Africa, but efforts by figures like Kolisi to combat it stand in stark contrast to Afghanistan, where gender apartheid is the law.