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Ken Borland



SJN given 6 months to do its work … but all the resources they’re going to need 0

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Ken

Cricket South Africa’s Social Justice and Nation-Building Commission is only going to have six months to do its work, but the organisation is going to ensure the ombudsman, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza, has all the resources required to complete his mandate.

“It is a very limited period – six months – so there is a sense of urgency to investigate and adjudicate all the submissions received, which by-and-large will deal with unfair discrimination. I will try and keep a tight rein, strict adherence to the program, but I must warn the public that sometimes these inquiries take on a life of their own. Hopefully we will not need an extension of time.

“I initially felt I needed three years, but after useful discussions with the Interim Board of CSA, I am now in respectful agreement, I am convinced, that it is doable in six months, but very difficult. There is never enough time for any commission dealing with the legacy of history, but there has to be a set time for making decisions so that you are focused. Yes, I wish there was more time, but I will do the job,” Ntsebeza, who sat on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, told a virtual conference on Thursday.

“It maybe felt like forever in getting SJN up and running, but there has been a lot of work going on in the background. CSA had to make sure we were totally ready to support Advocate Ntsebeza operationally and we have already set up facilities for him and his support staff. We don’t want this to be a tick-box exercise, so sufficient resources have definitely been made available to make sure he can deliver his mandate,” CSA acting chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said.

Ntsebezi admitted that he could not control CSA’s reaction to his recommendations, but he was confident they will implement the transformation imperatives he tables.

“There is no provision in my terms of reference or any statute that forces them to implement my recommendations; they remain recommendations. But I don’t think CSA would have taken the opportunity to embark on this project, they would not have made the appointment in the first place, if they were not serious. But there are no guarantees.

“I have no magic wand and I don’t have the mandate to use a big stick on CSA. But if they don’t implement then it will be time spent in vain. In my discussions with the Interim Board, I got a sense of commitment and an appetite to see this through, otherwise I would not have taken the job. I would hope that those tasked with implementing my recommendations will rise to the occasion,” Ntsebeza said.

Bosch & Sharks’ daily focus is on sharpening the basics 0

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Ken

The Sharks have been the form team in South African rugby this year but following six months of Lockdown their daily focus has just been on returning to basics and trying to get sharper every day, according to star flyhalf Curwin Bosch.

How quickly the Sharks can regain the brilliance and momentum that took them to the top of the Super Rugby standings will be put to the test on Saturday when they take on a revamped Bulls side on SuperFan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. Bosch was also the form flyhalf in South Africa before Lockdown and, with Handre Pollard out of rugby for the rest of the year, there will be plenty of focus on his own form with the Springbok No.10 jersey in mind.

“It will be tough for all of us to get that momentum back and it’s all about starting back at the basics once again. Saturday is the perfect opportunity for us to sharpen up our game and try out a couple of things we have been working on. We’re not looking too far ahead, we’re just going to take it game-by-game and hopefully we will improve every week.

“It’s great to be back and these are exciting times, but our bodies are still adjusting to contact and it’s going to be different with no crowds. Our approach this week is a bit different because we are preparing for the SuperRugby/Currie Cup competition that is coming up. But why change what we have been doing when obviously we have been doing something right?” Bosch said in a virtual interview on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old with two Test caps says the Sharks’ game-plan will once again revolve around playing a high-tempo game. Being at the fulcrum of that can only help Bosch’s chances of Springbok selection and he is surely closing the gap between himself and Elton Jantjies, who has been the spearhead of the Lions’ energetic style of play for so many years.

“We want to play with speed and tempo, so it’s going to be an interesting clash with the Bulls, because if you look along the lines of who they have signed, we expect a very physical game from their massive pack. I think the Bulls are going to try and slow us down, have a lot of set-pieces, while we will try to speed things up. We’re not looking to change much, just fine-tune what we’ve been trying to do.

“Personally, I’ve had a different approach this year with my main focus being on the Sharks and trying to help the team succeed. If I do that then Springbok selection will take care of itself. But I do see a bit of an opportunity to play number 10. It’s always my dream to play for the Springboks, that’s why I decided to stay at the Sharks. It was easy because we have become a special team in the last year,” Bosch says.

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  • Thought of the Day

    Ephesians 4:15 – “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

    “When you become a Christian, you start a new life with new values and fresh objectives. You no longer live to please yourself, but to please God. The greatest purpose in your life will be to serve others. The good deeds that you do for others are a practical expression of your faith.

    “You no longer live for your own pleasure. You must be totally obedient to the will of God.” – Solly Ozrovech, A Shelter From The Storm

    The goal of my life must be to glorify and please the Lord. I need to grow into Christ-likeness!



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