Watson throws money at imminent ousting?
Initial reports have stated that 31 clubs signed the motion but a reliable source in the Eastern Province club structures has confirmed to rugby365.com that the number has risen to more than 50 percent of the 119 clubs. It will take just 23 clubs for the motion to be tabled.
With so many clubs throwing their weight behind the motion, our source also confirmed that Watson has offered clubs up to R30 000 to distance themselves from the motion.
This motion will certainly add more spice to Thursday's meeting, as numerous other incidents have now emerged.
Recently appointed Chief Operations Officer, Debbie Ellis' appointment will most certainly be put under the spotlight as it has emerged that she was handed the position without it being advertised – which goes against the Union's constitution.
When approached for comment, she stated that a statement will follow Thursday's meeting.
The drama does not stop there though as Watson has already wormed his followers into taking over the reigns at SpringRose rugby club by ousting Amir Mpayipeli, who is anti-Watson, as the club's Chairman. The removal of Mpayipeli, in favour drafting in the Majola family led to a brawl.
Former Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola, who was expelled from that position, is now the leader of an interim committee that will elect a New SpringRose executive. The brawl was a result of Majola being told that the interim structure was not legitimate.
Mpumelelo Sbidla Majola then stood up to oppose the speaker while others attempted to stop him. However, Majola threw punches to whomever was in front of him. Others left the meeting and the small group that stayed behind (Majola's) proceeded with the meeting.
Rugby365.com can confirm that the following email was sent to the Department of Sports and Recreation MEC, SA Rugby Deputy President Mark Alexander, Eastern Cape Sports Federation President Kusta Magada as well as the EPRU. The email and motion was received by EPRU General Manager Sharief Gamiet.
"This is to confirm that on Monday, 22 February 2016, 27 Eastern Province Rugby Union clubs submitted a motion of no confidence document to the current Eastern Province Rugby Union executive under the leadership of President DW Watson. The attached document, with EPRU stamp, was received by EPRU General manager, Sharief Gamiet.
"According to Clause 18.6 of EPRU Constitution (attached here) 20% of total number of clubs can pass the motion of vote of no confidence to the Executive 72 hours before the Special General meeting or Union Committee Meeting. Currently registered EPRU clubs are 119 and one needs 23.8 clubs to pass that motion and we got more. The attached document will show you that 27 clubs (secretary and Chairperson) have signed the document and some clubs even wrote their own letters to support the motion.
"However, we were all shocked to see an EPRU Agenda without this motion instead all clubs that submitted this motion were today called individually by EPRU officials and their Sub-union chairs trying to force them to change their stance. We take serious objection to this harassment of clubs and wish to bring this to your attention.
"Will you please help us understand why EPRU did not include this AGENDA ITEM to the Special General Meeting Agenda that was sent to clubs last night?
"We are also shocked to notice that the Agenda items that we agreed on from our Saturday, 20 February 2016, meeting with MEC and EC Sports council were not included in the agenda."
By Tauriq Ebrahim
