WPRFU election is a one-horse race
NEWS: Next month's much-heralded Western Province Rugby Football Union meeting is no longer about the election of a vice-president.
The new vice-president will still be announced, but his name is already confirmed.
There is only one nomination - Ronald Bantom, who returned to the executive leadership fold of the WPRFU in November last year.
His return to the top-flight of the decision-making structures follows his disputatious axing from the executive in 2018.
Bantom was prevented from contesting the vice-presidency position at the WPRFU's 2018 Annual General Meeting - a position eventually filled by Spencer King - when he was suspended under questionable circumstances by then-President Thelo Wakefield.
The position of vice-president became vacant when King resigned late last year - a result of the many boardroom battles during the tenure of current President Zelt Marais.
Currently, the only points on the agenda for the March 8 meeting are:
* The move to the Cape Town Stadium
* Finances
* Election of the vice-president
(Continue below ...)
With the move to Cape Town Stadium a done deal (the Stormers play their first game this coming Saturday) and election a fait accompli, the focus will now shift to the clubs' attempt to bring 'vote of no confidence' in the President,
His tenure of just more than two years – Marais was elected as WPRFU President in November 2018, the same election at which Bantom was blocked from standing – has been marked by a series of boardroom dramas, questionable decisions and a troublesome management style.
This month again reports emerged of several high-profile officials falling foul of Marais.
Junaid Moerat, one of the most prominent members of the WPRFU executive, has been suspended for reportedly leaking information to the media’, while Moneeb Levy (his deputy president) and Peter Jooste (one of eight additional members on the executive) has been replaced as directors on the board of WP Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd – the commercial arm of the union.
His behaviour caused a storm that could result in him being removed as President on March 8.
If the clubs garner enough support – they require 10 members to support the matter – the ‘vote of no confidence’ could be added.
Marais has, according to Cape Town media reports, been asked to resign.
He declined.
The clubs are now canvassing for support to bring the 'vote of no confidence on March 8.
Should the clubs succeed on March 8 to remove Marais, either the Deputy President, Moneeb Levy, or vice-president, Bantom, could take over the presidency.
It would be a remarkable comeback for Bantom - like the proverbial 'phoenix from the ashes' - after being ousted in 2018.
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