Question NW699 to the Minister of Sport and Recreation
24 August 2016 - NW699
Malatsi, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation
(1)Whether (a) he and/or (b) his Deputy Minister met with (i) the President of the SA Rugby Union (SARU), Mr Oregan Hoskins and/or (ii) his deputy, Mr Mark Alexandra, individually or collectively, to discuss SARU's handling of the allegations of financial misappropriation by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Jurie Roux, levelled against him during his tenure with the University of Stellenbosch; if not, why not; if so, what are the (aa) dates, (bb) places and (cc) outcomes of each specified meeting; (2) what total amount was paid to Mr Roux as SARU's CEO with regard to (a) salaries, (b) bonuses and (c) travel allowances (i) in the past five financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2015?
Reply:
(1)
(a) The Minister has met with SARU to discuss SARU's handling of the allegations of financial misappropriation by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Jurie Roux, levelled against him during his tenure with the University of Stellenbosch.
(aa) The meeting took place on Friday 04 March 2016.
(bb) The meeting took place in Rosebank.
(cc) The Minister is satisfied that the Federation has properly exercised its fiduciary responsibility and refers the questioner to the legal opinion provided by Fanie Cilliers, S.C. and Professor Michael Katz. They advised that it would be unfair labour practice to take action against an employee on perceptions of third parties or on the basis of a report of which the facts have not been tested in court. Based on the above advice, the Minister will not be taking any action against Mr. Roux.
(2) SARU has indicated that they are unable to provide a breakdown of amounts (salaries, bonuses and travel allowances) paid to the CEO over the past five financial years. The Financial Statements contained in the published Annual Report for SA Rugby only provide consolidated amounts paid to the Executive members. The CEO of South African Rugby Union like any other employee has labour rights which are protected by law. The right of confidentiality of information between employer and employee is a protected right.