TENNIS SG CLARIFIES EXIT REPORTS

MBABANE – The Eswatini National Tennis Association (ENTA) found itself at a crossroads following the verbal resignation of its long-serving Secretary General Nqaba Mkhaliphi. This announcement came in the wake of a tense meeting held in Manzini on Sunday, where Mkhaliphi openly declared his intention to step down after a significant tenure. The meeting saw the unexpected departure of the association’s President, Derrick Jele, amid disagreements with several affiliated clubs.

Following Jele’s exit from the meeting, Mkhaliphi talked to Eswatini TV at the Tums George Hotel, where the meeting was held, to announce his resignation, stating, “I deemed it necessary that, in order for tennis to progress in the manner that is deemed appropriate for them, I decided to resign.” In the aftermath of these departures, the attending clubs voted to establish a task team tasked with revising the association’s constitution within a fortnight. Allen Mathonsi from Correctional was appointed Chairman of this team, which also includes Musawenkhosi Mnisi (Big Eight), Thulani Gina (Recreation), and Gabi Mkhabela (Mhlume Tennis Club). 

Mathonsi elucidated their responsibilities, noting that their primary objective is to ensure the amendments proposed at the June 1 Annual General Meeting (AGM) are thoroughly addressed. “Our role is to coordinate how it will be adopted,” he explained, adding that elections will follow the successful adoption of the constitution. Mathonsi pointed that the association had neglected to consider the proposals submitted by members, leading to a call for further discussions. “The agreement was that we would meet and select a task team to ensure that everything concerning the adoption of the constitution is thorough,” he asserted.

Concerns

Concerns were raised regarding the executive’s attempts to push through their own agenda without proper consultation with the clubs, which are deemed the primary stakeholders.
Sought for clarification, Mkhaliphi later contended that while he had expressed his intent to resign, he had not formally submitted his resignation, saying he was very much a part of the executive.

Meanwhile, Darius Dlomo, Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC), stated that he was awaiting further communication from the ENTA regarding the task team’s legitimacy. The ENTA’s challenges reflect broader governance issues seen in sports associations globally. The Scottish Rugby Union, for instance, has faced similar structural and representation challenges. It is believed the ESRC can intervene in this impasse by leading both the constitutional and electoral processes.

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