Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has reached out to the National Professional Boxing Promoters Association (NPBPA), inviting them to nominate candidates for the Boxing South Africa (BSA) board, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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This request follows the association’s legal victories against BSA, which highlighted flaws in the consultation process when the previous board was appointed by former minister Zizi Kodwa, whose board has now been dissolved by McKenzie.
In an effort to mend relations with the promoters, McKenzie is seeking their input on suitable nominees, a move aimed at addressing their grievances regarding what they perceived as a lack of consultation under Kodwa’s leadership.
In a letter addressed to NPBPA secretary Zandile Malinga, McKenzie stated, ‘The department has begun the process of appointing a new board. We invite the association to participate by submitting nominations for potential members of Boxing SA.’ He also mentioned that an advertisement has been published in national newspapers to encourage public nominations.
Malinga, representing Starline Boxing Promotions, expressed enthusiasm about the minister’s outreach. ‘It’s exciting to finally be heard. We fought for our rights in court, and now McKenzie has done what previous ministers failed to do by recognising the importance of the Boxing Act. This is a significant step forward.’
He noted that this initiative stemmed from a recent meeting with Boxing SA’s acting CEO, Tsholofelo Lejaka. ‘We appreciate a minister who respects the democratic structures of boxing and listens to the voices within the sport. We welcome this notification and are eager to begin the consultation process.’
McKenzie’s initiative follows concerns raised in parliament regarding BSA’s high litigation costs, especially given that the organisation is funded by the government.
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Picture: Gallo Images
