The judicial commission of inquiry into the deaths of two fans during the Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium last year remains in limbo.
Sports minister Tokozile Xasa is waiting for a recommendation from her counterpart at the department of justice, Michael Masutha. It could then be decided whether an inquiry is necessary to examine the circumstances that led to the deaths of Johannes Nkosi and Prince Chauke during the Carling Black Label Cup.
Since the incident more than a year ago, there has been no formal investigation by authorities and a ministerial commission of inquiry was withdrawn by Xasa following a court challenge by Stadium Management SA (SMSA).
However, Xasa said the matter had not been swept under the carpet by her department and she had sought advice from Masutha.
ENGAGEMENTS
"We have made a request to the presidency and department of justice to advise us on the proper course going forward," said Xasa.
"We have had engagements with them [the presidency and department of justice] so that they understand what we sought to do.
"We have given them all the information further to our submissions and the process now is such that we are waiting for the justice department to advise the president so that he is able to give us the final go ahead."
Masutha's spokesperson, Mukoni Ratshitanga, also confirmed that there have been discussions between the ministries of sport and justice on the tragedy.
"Both ministers have held discussions during which they have explored several options, including setting up a commission of inquiry to investigate the tragic incident," Ratshitanga said.
"In this context, minister Masutha is mindful of the findings and recommendations on the 2001 Ellis Park disaster, chaired by Judge Bernard Ngoepe, which led to parliament passing legislation to regulate matters, among others, safety and crowd control during sporting events in stadia."
SMSA CE Jacques Grobbelaar said his organisation welcomed the latest move by Xasa and would cooperate with the commission if it got off the ground.
"On July 2 2018 we wrote to the sports and recreation ministry confirming discussions between myself and our stakeholders in June 2018 relating to the importance of the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the Carling Black Label Cup tragedy," said Grobbelaar.
The director-general of sport, Alec Moemi, said Xasa sought advice from Masutha and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"The minister has requested the president to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry in the light of the fact that there now exists an interdict by stadium management challenging her [Xasa's] authority," said Moemi.
"Stadium management has written to the minister to express its willingness to cooperate with the ministerial process, but because of the interdict, she [Xasa] has deemed it prudent that she will be in contempt of court if she proceeds with the ministerial inquiry.
"She has sought the authority of the president to be able to appoint a judicial inquiry," said Moemi...