Axed quartet's future rests on Appeals Committee
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday July 27, 2024 06:00
The BFA will go to the polls to elect a new committee on September 14, but the Elections Committee's vetting process claimed four prominent scalps. Presidential hopefuls, Tariq Babitseng and Masego Ntshingane were axed from the contest although the reasons were not publicly advanced when a list of those who have made the final cut was released last week Friday. Phazha Butale and Carlos Sebina, who eyed the vice president role, also fell short of the requirements, according to the Elections Committee chaired by Moemedi Letina. Submission for interest to contest closed on June 26 but on the following day, the aspiring candidates were reportedly informed that some delegates had nominated more than once, which is against the rules. “They were asked to go back and ask people to nominate once.
They were given up to July 3 to comply. It was a compliance issue,” a source close to the developments said. “Some of the candidates who were vetted out expressed surprise when they saw their names posted on social media before they were officially informed of the process,” the source added. The candidates reportedly felt they should have been informed first as, in the case of vetting, they were supposed to appeal within four days. Unsuccessful candidates received their letters this week Monday and by Wednesday, all four had lodged their appeals. Eyes will now be on advocate Mpho Garebatho who heads the Elections Appeals Committee. Both Babitseng and Ntshingane confirmed they had appealed the decision but could not make any further comments on the matter. However, the source said the letters cited issues of compliance as reasons for the vetting out. “The candidates who were vetted feel the reasons that were advanced have been complied with and therefore expect a reprieve from the Appeals Committee,” the source further added.
It is said in Babitseng’s case, his ‘dark past’ might have come back to haunt him. He was elected into office in 2012 as BFA vice president but left in 2014 under a cloud. However, he again, ran for elections in 2016, suggesting his 2014 transgressions had been dealt with. “How this becomes an issue now, when he has contested before remains a mystery. There is an argument that he can only be available to contest at the end of 2024 ruling him out of the BFA September elections. But there is no way he can serve punishment twice. Being relieved of his duties was sufficient,” the official said. There have been questions raised over some members making it into the final list despite recent suspensions or 'having a questionable past'. “How did the officials make it past the vetting stage when we know some served suspensions while others faced the law? It has to be a fair process.” However, the BFA has maintained that due process has been followed in weeding out those unfit to stand for office. The BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti, has indicated that he is not afraid of a contest after all his challengers were vetted out.