Mbalula happy with CSA’s progress
Judge Chris Nicholson, who was appointed by Mbalula in October, recommended in March that CSA chief executive Gerald Majola be suspended, that irregular bonus payments be recovered and that a steering committee to restructure the board and their governance processes be appointed.
“We’re satisfied that CSA are implementing the Nicholson recommendations,” Mbalula said in Sandton on Thursday. “The board accepts they could have played a better role at the time they were called to do so, but there has been no resistance in going through this process and we are satisfied that we have done our duty.”
The CSA board were called to Sandton to report back to Mbalula on their progress and it was noticeable that a much better vibe existed amongst their members and they even went into a huddle, team-style, to consider the final statement released jointly by CSA and the sports ministry.
Mbalula said there was no need for the CSA board to resign.
“The CSA board of directors will remain in place until the next annual meeting at the end of September because it is in the best interests of stability and taking the game forward for all stakeholders.
“It’s just a few months to go for this board and then they can get a fresh mandate. We wanted to address the issues and bring stability to cricket. If we had asked the board to resign, then certain things would not have been done; they’ve put the process in motion,” Mbalula said.
But, in another blow to Majola, Mbalula stressed that it was imperative CSA recover all irregular bonus payments made to top management.
“It is a very clear Nicholson recommendation that unlawful bonuses be recovered from top management. Certain people were entitled to bonuses, but if these were outside the ambit of the law and were not properly declared, then it will be taken up.
“A civil process will be launched by CSA and it will be included in the disciplinary commission against Majola. The Hawks [South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] have also been to CSA and are in the process of their investigation. They’re on top of it, but we don’t know the outcome yet. We have to respect the process because it’s not up to us to arrest people. It was a smooth operation, not done Hollywood style, because that way things get done properly,” Mbalula said.
The disciplinary enquiry is set to be completed by May 31 and John Myburgh SC is the independent chairman appointed by the Bar Council, which is also going to be approached to appoint a prosecutor.
Goverment is now also going to be involved in the restructuring of CSA, with Sports and Recreation SA representatives, as well as from Sascoc, being added to the steering committee.
The important issue of transformation has also been added to the steering committee’s terms of reference, including a financial model that will result in funds being made available for transformation. That transformation fund will be launched at the CSA chief executives’ committee meeting on May 8.
The final report of the steering committee will be submitted to the minister for his approval, followed by consultation with the provinces and then the national indaba on sport.
“The first steps in restoring public confidence and that of the sponsors and other stakeholders have been taken,” Mbalula said.