'Majola not delaying'

Gerald Majola's lawyer has denied that the suspended cricket boss is delaying his disciplinary hearing.

Pumezo David said Cricket SA was driving the process.

"It would therefore be incorrect for anyone to suggest that Majola or his representatives are delaying the process," he said.

Majola was suspended as CEO of Cricket SA on March 17 following recommendations by Judge Chris Nicholson, who investigated the organisation's bonuses scandal.

Majola paid bonuses of R1.8-million to himself and staff without having them cleared by the CSA remuneration committee.

The latest delay in the convening of the disciplinary hearing was caused by John Myburgh stepping down as its chairman.

David welcomed Myburgh's decision: "We were always of the view that it would be inappropriate for him to preside over the matter."

Myburgh, who was appointed independent chairman, found Majola guilty and recommended, in a non-binding decision, that he be sacked.

Myburgh told CSA and Majola's lawyers that it would be inappropriate for him to continue chairing the hearing after his decision.

Acting CSA president Willie Basson said that CSA had accepted Myburgh's withdrawal and it would not cause interruptions to the disciplinary process. "We have come to an agreement and can now carry on swiftly,"

CSA said it had asked the Johannesburg Bar Council to appoint a replacement for Myburgh.

Basson said: "Finding an independent chairman is very important, and I am sure there are others who can fulfil that role with the approval of both the CSA and [Majola's] lawyers.

The CSA received the stamp of approval on Wednesday from the parliamentary sports and recreation portfolio committee.

"The presentations made [to the committee] were well-received.

"Our representatives indicated to the portfolio committee that CSA has made mistakes that needed to be rectified," said Basson yesterday.

"We need to get everybody on board in order to move forward. The process has gone very well so far. We are headed in the right direction."

DA MP and spokesman on sports and recreation Winston Rabotapi said: "We are happy with the progress made so far. "Of course, the entire process is not yet over.

"We support the positive steps being made by CSA."

Basson said that of prime importance was that eventually CSA received a stamp of approval from Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula.