Suspended Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) president Zelt Marais remains defiant in the face of a major setback, vowing to contest the union’s upcoming elections on April 30 under protest—even after the South African Rugby Union (SARU) confirmed that his appeal against a 10-year suspension has been dismissed.
Marais, who has been nominated for every major leadership role in the WPRFU elections—including President, Deputy President, Vice-President, and a seat on the executive committee—is not backing down. He insists on his right to stand, despite a disciplinary ruling that bars him from participating in any rugby-related activities or holding office in SARU or any affiliated body until 2034.
SARU recently announced that an independent Appeal Panel upheld the misconduct findings originally laid against Marais in 2022. The judgment, spanning 61 pages, cited the severity of the charges, Marais’ seniority, and his lack of remorse. “There had been no apology for his conduct,” the panel noted, adding that it saw “every possibility that he would continue along this path unless sanctioned.”
The charges stem from statements Marais made in communications to SARU members and in public forums—remarks SARU deemed damaging and inappropriate. However, Marais maintains that his actions were in defense of WPRFU’s independence during a turbulent period in 2021, when SARU placed the union under administration citing a financial crisis.
Polarizing but influential, Marais has consistently portrayed himself as a whistleblower acting in the best interest of the union. Supporters argue he exposed flaws in governance and resisted central control, while critics accuse him of undermining structures, mismanaging union affairs, and sowing division.
Reacting to the appeal decision, Marais is expected to challenge the ruling in court and has confirmed he will contest the election under protest. The timing of the ruling, just days before the WPRFU vote, raises questions that Marais and his supporters are likely to highlight in the days ahead.
The WPRFU has remained under SARU administration since October 2021, with the latest nominations for leadership roles released earlier this month by the current administrator, Peter Jooste. As the election nears, Marais’s inclusion—despite his formal disqualification—has already sparked debate and legal uncertainty.
WPRFU Presidential Candidates
Zelt Marais
Despite a confirmed 10-year suspension, Marais remains at the center of the WPRFU political landscape. Nominated for four major positions, he continues to rally support on the basis that his past actions were motivated by a desire to protect the union’s autonomy and financial integrity. His decision to stand under protest sets the stage for a contentious and possibly legally fraught election.
Kevin Kiewits
A former executive committee member, Kiewits stepped down in 2020 over disagreements linked to the Investec deal. Known for his advocacy of grassroots rugby, his re-entry into the leadership race underscores his long-standing commitment to the sport’s development.
Ronald Bantom
With experience both in education and rugby administration, Bantom has served as WPRFU Vice President since 2021. He is respected for his organizational leadership and deep ties to rugby at school and club levels.
Reuben Machelm
The former interim CEO of Western Province Professional Rugby, Machelm is viewed as a stabilizing force. His experience navigating periods of institutional transition positions him as a pragmatic contender in a crowded race.
As the WPRFU prepares to elect new leadership, all eyes remain on Marais—whose challenge to SARU’s authority, and now the electoral process itself, could shape not just the future of the union, but the governance of rugby in the region for years to come.
