In a first, a disgruntled ring official has dragged Boxing South Africa (BSA) to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
Female ring official Namhla Tyuluba, who was suspended by BSA earlier last month, took the boxing regulator to the CCMA citing unfair treatment. Her suspension followed after her performance as a fight referee during the Fighters Club tournament held in Pretoria almost two months ago.
On Monday, Tyuluba faced BSA representatives Mandla Ntlanganiso, the regulator’s director of operations, as well as technical assistant Mncedisi Ngqumba at the CCMA in Pretoria.
An Ink Sport source said: “Namhla took the matter to the CCMA and they went for conciliation on Monday, but still the matter was not solved. She has now approached the Gauteng North High Court in Pretoria as she’s fighting against the suspension.”
Contacted for comment, Ntlanganiso said: “BSA attended the conciliatory process in good faith and respected the proceedings. It must be noted that the CCMA has no jurisdiction over disputes between BSA and its licensees.
“The South African Boxing Act, 2001 provides for the resolution of boxing disputes through arbitration, appeal and independent alternative dispute resolution services accredited for that purpose. In light of the above legal position, the ring official in question voluntarily withdrew her case. She has further agreed to undergo the training and capacity-building programme as originally planned.”
Ntlanganiso concluded: “BSA has established an independent arbitrations tribunal and disciplinary committee. Licensees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these structures for the proper resolution of disputes. We re-emphasised that moving forward, no lacklustre ring officiating will be tolerated. More vigorous training and performance reviewal will be implemented to uphold the integrity of the sport.”
Despite missing out on officiating in six tournaments held in Gauteng since her suspension, Tyuluba declined to comment when called by Ink Sport. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
