The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has slammed allegations made by the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA), labelling the appointment of the new board unlawful.
The NPBPA, chaired by East London-based Ayanda Matiti, said in papers lodged at the Pretoria High Court that the new board was unlawful because the association had not been consulted by the minister before announcing the new executive late last month.
The state attorney’s office had written to the NPBPA’s attorney on Monday, saying the new board would not assume duties on Tuesday pending the finalisation of the matter brought by the association.
However, Minister Zizi Kodwa disregarded the written letter and instructed the new board to continue as planned on Tuesday.
Kodwa later released a statement saying the newly appointed board was announced by the Minister following a rigorous and transparent selection process taken by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“The department followed a due process of appointing, as outlined in the South African Boxing Act of 2001. The allegations made by the NPBPA against the department are objectionable.
“As the new BSA board begins its term, our intention is to ensure Boxing South Africa is empowered and led by ethical leaders with strong governance, commercial and administrative expertise. The incoming board is expected to lift boxing in SA and bring it back to its former glory,” said Kodwa.
