Zizi Kodwa praises Cricket SA for swiftly professionalising women's cricket

With the help of the ministry’s R5 million investment over three years, the Titans, Lions, Dolphins, SWD Badgers, Free State and Western Province will all participate in the Women’s One Day Cup and Women’s T20 Challenge from 1 October.

With the number of contracted players increased from six to 11, Kodwa is delighted that CSA accelerated its initial plans for this groundbreaking launch.

"When we got appointed [in the ministry] earlier this year, I met with all the federations. One of the things I said to CSA, 'I don't want to see you on the front pages for the wrong reasons, I want to see the results on the back pages,'" Kodwa told the media.

"But now we see celebrations on the front pages, and they are doing exactly that – they presented a plan after we committed about R5 million over three financial years, and we said, 'We don't agree, we think you can do it within six months,' and they've delivered.

"It's not about how much money you have, [let's be] very clear, it's about commitment and political will."

While Kodwa did not provide a timeline or criticise them, he is waiting for other federations to follow suit with their plans to assist the women's game in this manner.

"I guess every journey has a beginning, and I'm sure all other federations will learn from today. When I met with them, like I indicated – I met with the top five [sports], just a week after our appointment, we almost read a riot act about a vision," he added.

"Among others, at the centre of what we discussed for almost hours with each of them, was the issue of women in sport and our contribution as a department.

"We hope that as we continue to engage with them, sorting out other problems, we'll make sure that they learn – one of the things I encourage all of them is to learn from the best practices."