Menzi Magubane
South African Football Association (Safa) vice-president Ria Ledwaba is heading to court in an attempt to prevent the Safa presidential elections from taking place.
Ledwaba addressed the media on Wednesday morning at FNB Stadium, just a day after she approached the court for an urgent interdict seeking to stop the Safa elections on 25 June.
“I can never be bullied by anyone. I would not worship any person. I worship that document called the statutes of South African Football Association,” said Ledwaba.
“Every time you speak you must tell us which statutes tell you to do so. If I send a circular it must be guided by the statutes.”
Two days ago Ledwaba, Danny Jordaan and Solly Mohlabeng were announced by Safa as cleared by the governance committee to stand for the governing body’s presidency.
Ledwaba’s camp, however, explained why she rushed to court claiming that there are several constitutional irregularities surrounding the elections.
The camp said some constitutional changes made at a 26 March ordinary congress were aimed at settling incumbent Jordaan as president.
Last month Ledwaba and her camp had lodged a complaint against the constitutional changes but it was ruled out by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Before she went to CAS she started at CAF and Fifa who both dismissed her. On Tuesday she took it further to the court in order to stop the elections.
Safa, however, were quick to respond to what Ledwaba and her camp were seeking.
Safa’s CEO Tebogo Motlanthe sent a letter to the National Executive Committee informing them of the court papers being served.
“Please be informed that the vice-president of Safa, Ms Ria Ledwaba, has approached the court on an urgent basis to stop the Safa elections scheduled for June 25,” said the letter.
“The matter is between Ms Ledwaba, Safa, all members of the governance committee and the chairperson of the ethics committee, Justice Sisi Khampepe. This matter is brought on behalf of Ledwaba and Safa Vhembe. Safa has already filed its intention to oppose this matter.”
Image source: @Goal
