The unions of Central Gauteng Lions and North West Cricket have pledged their full support for Cricket South Africa’s interim board, distancing themselves from the members’ council fiasco.
The two unions, who are representatives on the council, on Tuesday released a joint statement to reiterate their stance in the messy situation that has unfolded between the council and the interim board, as well as Minister of Sport Nathi Mthethwa.
President of the Central Gauteng Lions, Anne Vilas, raised her concerns, on behalf of both unions, about the drama that has developed since this past weekend’s special general meeting.
‘The Central Gauteng Lions would like to express our disappointment of the Members’ Council (MC) not accepting the MOI despite it being acknowledged as good governance,’ read the statement from Vilas.
CSA MC seeks clarity over ‘misinterpretations’
‘It appears as if the MC is led by the minority, and it is most unfortunate that the Minister has had to take action in the hope that all can be salvaged. The CGL would like to distance ourselves from such a decision taken by the Members’ Council. We hereby reiterate our continued support of the Independent Board and the work that it has been tasked to do in order for the game of cricket to grow and move forward.
‘Acting in the best interest of cricket and making players a priority are imperative in ensuring that those who love the game, remain proud of the game and we at CGL maintain and uphold our guiding principles such as Choices, Governance and Longevity – a fitting acronym of CGL given such a situation.’
Six out of the 14 provincial presidents voted against the amendment of the memorandum of incorporation at the SGM.
Since the motion to establish a new majority independent board failed as a result, pressure has been mounting on the council to reconsider before Mthethwa decides to take action against CSA.
The minister gave the council until the end of Tuesday to change its decision or he will have no option but to invoke article 13(5) of the National Sports Act.
‘The CGL and NWC implore those Unions, Presidents and CEOs who have not yet supported the call for a more independent board to consider doing so in the best interest of the game that we love,’ concluded the statement.
