Proteas women stand united against gender-based violence

In just ten days, the Proteas Women will take to the field on Sunday, 8 December at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban for the fourth annual Black Day one-day international (ODI).

This year, the highly anticipated match against England carries the powerful theme of "I Will Not Be Next," echoing the team's unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV).

Since its inception, Black Day has become more than just a cricketing fixture. It’s a symbol of unity, hope, and resilience, using the platform of sport to spark meaningful conversations and inspire collective action. As the Proteas Women gear up for this historic match, the team has embraced personal pledges to amplify their voices and create change.

For Proteas Women bowler Masabata Klaas, the day holds significance. Her pledge, “I will use my platform to be a strong and loud voice in partnership with women who work to end all forms of gender-based violence,” embodies her passion and commitment to using cricket as a force for good.

Reflecting on the importance of her pledge, Klaas shares, “As cricketers, we are given a platform that many people don’t have. I believe it is my responsibility to use that platform not only for the game I love but also to stand for the things I believe in.”

Klaas also expressed the pride the team feels when they step out in their symbolic black kits on Black Day. “Playing in the Black Day ODI is an honour. It’s a reminder that we are not just playing for runs and wickets; we are playing for every woman and child who deserves to live a life with no violence. That is what motivates us to give everything we have on the field.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Pholetsi Moseki emphasised the importance of the event: “Black Day has become one of our cornerstones of our commitment to tackling societal issues. It showcases the incredible power of sport to bring people together to highlight a plight that is affecting a lot of South Africans.”

As the countdown begins, CSA and the Proteas Women urge fans to join the conversation online using the hashtags #IWillNotBeNext #ENDGBV and attend the match in all black to stand in solidarity against GBV. Together, through collective action and awareness, the Proteas Women hope to inspire lasting change.

Tickets are available on www.cricket.co.za or via the stadium’s ticket office. The match will also be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC TV and Radio from 10h00.

Proteas Women IWC ODI Squad - Inbound Tour against England (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)