CAPE TOWN – The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has announced the dissolution of the board of Boxing South Africa (BSA).
This comes after McKenzie and Boxing South Africa appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on Wednesday to account for the entity’s Annual Performance Plan and other pertinent matters.
Several issues were raised in the committee, one being the litigation against the Minister on the issue of the appointment of the Board of Boxing South Africa three months ago.
In May, then Minister Zizi Kodwa appointed members of the BSA board, in line with the South African Boxing Act 11 of 2001 for a three-year term.
The National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA) lodged a case against the Minister because no consultation was done before the board was appointed.
“The Minister had initially indicated that he would oppose the matter in court. It was, however, noted that the case is costing the department excessive amounts of money, and it is undesirable to proceed with spending monies on ongoing litigation,” said the department statement.
“The Minister has been clear that funds allocated to the Department must be prudently used for the benefit of athletes and creatives.”
After consulting with the current board of BSA, McKenzie has decided not to continue to oppose the application brought by the NPBPA. Consequently, he will dissolve the board of Boxing South Africa.
“I would like to express gratitude to the outgoing board for the sterling work that they have done during the few months they were in office,” said McKenzie.
“This decision is in no way a reflection on them or their efforts, but restarting the appointment process is now the most responsible thing we can do. I would like to thank them for their understanding of the decision and for putting the sport first.
“It’s very troubling that boxers can get in the ring to risk their lives to earn as little as R4,000 for a fight. Boxing is one of the world’s biggest sports and we need to fix it in South Africa.”
