Female legal eagles to bring 'governance stability' and 'integrity' to WP board

In line with pursuing its stated goals of achieving excellence, both on and off the field and underpinned by sound governance and leadership in the company, Western Province Professional Rugby Board has appointed two additional Independent Directors.

The additional Directors are two top female independent legal minds - Janine Myburgh and Melene Rossouw.

"It is expected that their appointment will support the drive to ensure governance stability and integrity," WPPR (Pty) Ltd said in a statement.

The WPPR Board boasts three female Independent Directors and the appointment of Rossouw and Myburgh secures it a majority of Independent Directors.

Myburgh is Managing Director of Myburgh Attorneys, a mediator, facilitator and attorney with the right of appearance in the High Court. She has completed the advanced judicial training required to serve as a judge and serves on a number of regulatory, risk and legal panels.

She is the only woman and youngest person to lead the Cape Chamber of Commerce and the South African Council of Business Women.

Myburgh has also served on or led numerous trusts and NPO Boards. An honourary Consul to Canada, with honouree member status to the UN and an International Award Winner, she is a respected speaker, thinker and leader in her field.

Rossouw is an internationally recognised human rights activist, global award winner, public speaker, moderator, facilitator, strategist and consultant.

She is an attorney by profession, with 13 years of experience in the private, governmental and non-governmental sectors. She has served in respected offices such as the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Western Cape High Court, The Presidency of South Africa and two National Government Ministries. She is also a member of the African Women Leadership Network.

"These appointments demonstrate our commitment to proper governance, stability, gender balance and integrity into the immediate future of professional rugby in the Western Province," WPPR board Chairman Ebrahim Rasool said.

"We have incredible potential as a company and have some valuable assets in our world-class players, top sponsors and, of course, our passionate support base.

"We welcome Janine and Melene to the Board, and look forward to benefitting from their experience as we grow into the future," he concluded.