Times Of Swaziland: ERA CHAIRPERSON JABULANI RESIGNS

ERA CHAIRPERSON JABULANI RESIGNS
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Mengameli Mabuza on 17/02/2024 09:25:00


MBABANE – “The environment was no longer workable.”
These were the words of Eswatini Referees Association (ERA) Chairperson Jabulani
Motsa, who explained his decision to step down from his position, citing
challenges and obstacles within the association that hindered his ability to
carry out his responsibilities effectively. Motsa’s resignation came ahead of
an extraordinary meeting scheduled to be held at Sigwaca House today starting at
8am. According to sources, one of the main topics on the agenda for the meeting
will be the discussion of alleged missing funds within the ERA.
Disappeared
It is reported that a significant amount of money has disappeared from the
association’s grant account. This grant, totalling E186 000 annually and
provided in two instalments by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), is
intended to support the development and maintenance of refereeing standards in
the country. The missing funds and the resulting resignation of the ERA
chairperson have reportedly raised concerns about the management of the
association and the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these
issues.
“Yes, it’s true that I have resigned because of unworkable conditions, but
for now, that’s all I can say,” he said. When pressed for more details, he
directed this reporter to the association’s secretary, noting that the
secretary serves as the official spokesperson for the ERA and would be the best
source of information on this matter.
An investigation by this publication on the matter revealed that Motsa was not
the only executive committee member that resigned as another was reported to
have resigned too. Meanwhile, ERA secretary Mbongeni Shongwe stated that, to his
knowledge, two executive members had resigned, leaving two vacant positions that
needed to be filled. Shongwe stressed that the association could not function
efficiently without a chairperson and a treasurer, emphasising the need to fill
these vacancies as soon as possible.
The ERA grant plays a crucial role in supporting the development and maintenance
of refereeing standards in the country. This grant is used for various
initiatives aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills and professionalism of
referees in Eswatini.
Some of the ways in which the grant may be utilised include organising referee
training programmes and courses, facilitating referee certification and
licensing, supporting referee development initiatives, especially at the
grassroots level, providing referees with the necessary equipment and resources,
implementing referee welfare programmes to promote their well-being and
professional growth and collaborating with other football associations or
organisations to share best practices and improve refereeing standards across
the country.
By investing in these areas, the ERA grant contributes to the overall quality
and integrity of football in Eswatini.