The Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) and the rise thereof has a lot to thank the local media for – a core of which have stayed loyal and understanding of the growing pains that the Union has gone through. I like to think that as an adult I can choose what to write and what not to write. Not only that but the reporting by rugby writers in the Eastern Cape has been overwhelmingly positive of late.
In a stunning display of bad manners at the EPRU Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday 26 November 2011, a call was made to vote whether the attending media would be allowed to continue attending the AGM. This, despite that fact that an invite had already been extended to us and that it had become the norm to have media present at the AGM.
The attending media were asked to vacate the Humerail Hall whilst delegates voted – two of my esteemed colleagues decided to do like the famous whiskey beloved of comrades everywhere there is a free drink, and keep on walking. The vote went for allowing the media to attend, though.
In a true democracy a minimum of ONE attending media person would at least to have been allowed to say ONE word in support of reporting on the proceedings in order to help keep everyone honest but, this was not to be. One of the consequences of the action of EPRU will be to make the media just a smidgen LESS eager to slide their eyes over any hint of a transgression in the future – what a shame!
A quick summary of the AGM:
- The president, Cheeky Watson sent in an apology citing a ‘family crisis’ but then managed to attend.
- CEO, Anele Pamba also had a family crisis with the death of his brother so was unable to attend.
- Cheeky at least acknowledged the great support by the local press.
- An R11 Million grant from Lotto has been secured for the rugby academy.
- EPRU made a loss of R2 819 456.00, for the period ended 30 September 2011 – which didn’t seem to bother delegates who were more concerned about petty issues (see below).
- Concerns about disciplinary enquiries and procedures were raised.
- Concerns about the administration were raised.
- Clubs accused various members of the executive of not being fair and even handed over disciplinary issues and team selections.
- Everyone seemed more concerned about raising Points of Order than actually completing the business.
- A collective intake of shock, gasp horror greeted the news that EPRU members with PRIVATE vehicles carrying EPRU branding were paid R2000.00 per month to do so – Maybe the EPRU should look at also supporting MyPE with an advert as MyPE is internationally traveled?
- One remark that had me scratching my head in bewilderment was the plea that the money received for the Mayoral Cup be spread evenly. Aside from saying HUH? I would also like to know how you can motivate competition and excellence by NOT offering a sizeable chunk of money to the winning team and rather spreading the sponsorship evenly? Kinda like; “Thanks for the money, Mayor, but we will be spreading the money evenly between the clubs and have thus decided not to play rugby against each other as it will be pointless!”
All in all the delegates from EPRU displayed that their AGM is just like any other sporting bodies AGM – full of hot air and the sound of people who love to talk k*k.
The best news was the broad hint from Cheeky Watson that 2 December 2011 would be a red letter day in the life of EP Rugby with the announcement of a major equity partner whose participation hinges on succesful entry into Super Rugby.
