Cape Town - Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation Solly Malatsi MP has released a press statement regarding the investigation into South African Rugby Union (SARU) CEO Jurie Roux.
This weekend the South African Rugby Union (SARU) failed to resolve the suspension of CEO Jurie Roux in a general council meeting, despite serious allegations of financial misappropriation during his tenure at Stellenbosch University.
This was a missed opportunity for the SARU national leaders to practice the gospel they have been preaching about good governance in the sport.
I have therefore today written to the chairperson of the portfolio committee on Sport and Recreation, Beauty Dlulane, requesting her to summon SARU to account for their inaction over Mr Roux.
SARU's highest decision-making body abdicated its responsibility towards maintaining good governance in the sport by failing to act. It is now the appropriate time for Parliament to intervene in this matter.
It is unfathomable that the SARU general council failed the basic test of logic on this matter by not temporarily suspending Mr Roux from his duties as CEO while he contests the civil case against him by Stellenbosch University.
SARU can ill-afford a scandal-ridden CEO at the centre of a protracted civil case against his previous employers when he should actually be focused on a job he is paid millions to do.
The magnitude of the allegations against Mr Roux - including the use of software to hide and withhold approximately R35 million from Stellenbosch University's reserve from the council - is excessively damaging for the state of rugby administration in the country.
The DA will continue to monitor this matter closely to ensure that SARU is held accountable for its handling of this matter.