Question NW620 to the Minister of Sport and Recreation:
08 May 2017 - NW620
Bergman, Mr D to ask the Minister of Sport and Recreation:
(1) With regard to the fight in East London on 22 April 2016, where certain fighters (names furnished) were not paid, how did Boxing SA allow the fight to continue without having the purse money; (2) have any other fights been allowed to take place without purse money being paid to Boxing SA (a) in the 2015-16 financial year and (b) since 1 April 2016; if so, (i) which fights and (ii) have the purse monies been paid to the fighters since 28 February 2017; if not, which amounts are still outstanding?
Reply:
(1) At the time of sanctioning the said boxing event, which took place on the 22 April 2016 at East London, Boxing SA had reasonable grounds to believe that it was in receipt of a legitimate legal commitment by the provincial department of Sports, Arts and Culture in the Eastern Cape to pay for the purse money.
It later emerged that the written undertaking purportedly signed by the CFO of the department of Sports, Arts and Culture in Eastern Cape and submitted by the promoter, was actually falsified. It is for that reason that disciplinary steps were taken against the promoter. This resulted in the promoter’s license being suspended and a civil claim being instituted against him to recover the money.
(2) (a) No, in the financial year 2015/16 there were no tournaments staged without payment of purse money.
(b) Yes, (i) Since 1 April 2016, there was a tournament held in Limpopo Province hosted by a consortium led by Limpopo Champions and Xaba Promotions on the 29 April 2016.
(ii) All outstanding monies were subsequently settled with all the licensees.