By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has decided to take a stand against cyberbullying, harassment and defamation and to clear all allegations of corruption and fraud levelled against some of its previous and current board members.
CMA interim chairperson Jeff Minnaar addressed a press briefing at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg following the recent departure of several board members.
More drama ensued, including allegations of corruption and fraud levelled against members of the board. As a result of all the drama, four members of the board resigned earlier this month
Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo and deputy chair Leslie Burnard resigned with immediate effect last week.
The other two members who’ve left are Kerwin Basson and Pumlani Ntuli.
“We would like to take a stand towards combating cyberbullying, harassment and defamation, which have become pervasive issues affecting individuals in our own very association,” Minnaar said.
He added that the CMA board members, guided by both interim chairperson and interim vice-chairperson are going to discuss and address all the different types of issues that recently affected the image of the organisation.
He said those accused of wrongdoing will be legally charged and also called to answer to the organisation in one-on-one sessions.
“Our aim is to clear everything and see who is wrong and right,” said Minnaar.
Minaar said board members have been under a great deal of stress.
“I haven’t gone to bed one night before 11pm trying to solve some of the problems, And with the stress, you don’t sleep.”
“I have two months to stablise things, and I hope I can do it and make our staff happy. That is why they have left, they felt in their heart of hearts that they couldn’t take the pressure anymore because the pressure [affects] your family, “added Minnaar.
Meanwhile legal documents revealed that the president of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics has threatened to cancel the Comrades Marathon if certain demands remain unmet.
Despite these threats, Minnaar took the opportunity to reassure South Africans and the CMA’s global community that the popular Durban-Pietermaritzburg annual ultra-marathon will definitely take place next year.
New board members include Minnaar (interim chair), Peter Proctor (interim vice chair), Sweetname Nkabinde, Pat Freeman, Celinkosi Makhoba, Nontuthuko Mashimane, Steve Mkasi, Busani Ndlovu and Isaac Ngwenya.