Former Proteas batsman Rassie van der Dussen has opened up about his decision to take the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement during the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup.
The 37-year-old top-order batsman was one of the few white South African players who took the knee during the Proteas’ opening match of the tournament.
However, South Africa’s campaign was overshadowed by controversy involving Quinton de Kock, who made himself unavailable for the clash against West Indies after initially refusing to take the knee.
De Kock later issued an apology, confirming that he would take the knee going forward. He explained that his initial stance was influenced by the way Cricket South Africa handled the matter, mandating the gesture shortly before the match.
Rassie retired from international cricket this week
Reflecting on why he opted to take the knee, van der Dussen said his decision was deeply personal and rooted in his upbringing.
Speaking to Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000, he revealed that his father was a member of the African National Congress (ANC), which played a significant role in shaping his worldview.
“I’ve never changed as a person. I was lucky to be brought up in a liberal household. My dad was a member of the ANC. We were raised with an objective view of the world,” Rassie said.
“That’s why I didn’t think twice about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in 2021.”
Van der Dussen added that the response he received for his stance remains meaningful.
“It is heartwarming to still see the impact it made on people and that they still speak about it. As an Afrikaner white man, to receive feedback like that is very special for me.”
Rassie also highlighted the importance of open dialogue in his upbringing, noting how it allowed him and his siblings to engage critically with South Africa’s past and present.
“We are four brothers, and I’m grateful we were brought up with a balanced view. We were able to question things and be honest about where we come from as a society and the work that still lies ahead to correct the wrongs of the past,” he added.
Earlier this week, Rassie van der Dussen announced his immediate retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old called time on a distinguished seven-year international career, during which he established himself as one of South Africa’s most dependable top-order batters.
Discussion about this post