Litha Mpondwana, the media liaison officer in the office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, has clarified Kodwa’s withdrawal of his intention to oppose part A of the court challenge brought by the National Professional Boxing Promoters Association (NPBPA).
The NPBPA took Minister of Sport Kodwa, Boxing South Africa (BSA) and the new board to court in December last year.
The promoters cited lack of consultation before Kodwa appointed a new BSA board made up of Sifiso Shongwe, Princess Mangoma, Nande Mheshe, Sakhiwe Sodo, Luxolo September, Romy Titus and Dr Mary-Gene Manthata-Setati.
The NPBPA successfully interdicted the installation of the new board with all seven members having also been respondents in the matter.
“This means that there will be a consultative process to appoint a BSA board to arrest the argument that there was no consultation. This process won’t impact the position and work of the accounting authority, who was appointed to fulfil the role of the accounting authority until a board has been instituted,” Mpondwana said.
Mpondwana added: “The Department is still opposing the application contesting the legality of appointing the accounting authority. I am expecting us to give an update soon. But the important thing to note is that the sport of boxing will continue, with BSA under the leadership of the accounting authority.”
An order from the High Court of South Africa Gauteng Division, Pretoria, dated 13 March 2024 said: “Be pleased to take notice that the first respondent withdraws his notice of intention to oppose dated 11th December 2023.”
