There was no love lost on Thursday between Chippa United boss Siviwe Mpengesi and Nelson Mandela Bay councillors who blew the whistle on the club’s decision to present its close-out report virtually.
Irate councillors who clashed with the Chilli Boys’ top officials insisted that they pitch up in person next time for their presentation to the sport, recreation, arts and culture committee.
The presentation and report were for councillors to note the club’s sponsorship request, which is tied to a relocation deal concluded with the metro in 2014.
The sponsorship request comes as the National Treasury is moving to prevent municipalities from classifying financial support for events as sponsorships, directing that they be treated as paid services rendered to the city.
The item has yet to be tabled before the council for approval, as the city grapples with how it will deal with commitments made to organisations through contractual agreements.
The current three-year agreement with Chippa, which runs from July 2023 to June 2026, includes a R7m relocation fee, R6m sponsorship and R500,000 towards marketing.
The club makes a presentation to the committee annually to ensure that it is funded each financial year, as per the contract agreement.
However, the committee members were not impressed that Mpengesi opted to conduct the presentation virtually, saying it undermined them.
The discussion started before Chippa United officials were connected to the meeting.
Though no-one opposed the decision to continue sponsoring the team, councillors demanded that Mpengesi show up in person, citing contract breaches and past drama.
Once the club’s officials joined the meeting virtually, sport, recreation, arts and culture political head Sinebhongo Kwatsha conveyed the committee’s frustration over the online presentation.
However, when he was connected, Mpengesi said he was being disrespected.
“I think sometimes we are not respected by you councillors, and you must stop that, you must treat us the same way you treat others because we are a sports organisation.”
As Mpengesi was speaking, councillors started heckling him and told municipal officials to disconnect him.
Kwatsha told Mpengesi that he had been contacted several times to remind him to attend the meeting.
“We support Chippa United as the club, and we expect you to be here in the city as per our agreement, or anyone from your office.
“What you are saying about being disrespected is not true.
“Councillors actually feel that you are disrespecting them.”
The ruckus was sparked by PA councillor Alvera Hendricks, who said that she would leave the meeting if the club’s officials were allowed to present virtually.
Before Mpengesi joined, Hendricks said: “I reject what is about to happen here, and that’s why I request to leave because I don’t support Chippa United not being physically here to present.
“The Eastern Province Rugby Union was told to come in person despite the challenges they had.
“They respect the municipality. Chippa United must be treated the same way.”
ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve agreed with Hendricks.
Mleve said the committee was not against supporting the team, but it had set a rule that representatives of all entities seeking sponsorship from the municipality — including Chippa United — must present in person.
“Now we are facing a technicality from Chippa United, and I tell you the only team we experience serious problems with is this club,” he said.
“We’ve seen reports in the media regarding the club and issues with the Mandela Bay Development Agency and the municipality regarding the breaching of a contract.
“We require a proper explanation from Chippa [Mpengesi] himself as to why he decided to breach the contractual agreements between them and the municipality.
“They have also taken all their strategic games to the Buffalo City Metro, while there’s a contract in place, and we have the biggest stadium in the province.
“The only platform we have for this conversation to happen with Chippa is this one.
“We demand that he respect this committee and the ratepayers who contribute to the revenue collection that sponsors him.”
ANC councillor Ntobeko Nqakula said the relationship between the club and the city was one-sided.
“It always feels as if they are undermining the municipality and are probably getting a better sponsorship elsewhere, hence we see such behaviour.
“We still have a pending presentation from Eastern Province Cricket, and perhaps Chippa United can join us in that meeting to present.”
Nqakula suggested that when the club made its presentation, the city should ensure that Mpengesi, his general manager and stakeholder manager were present.
DA councillor Sebenzile Rafani said if the club wanted the sponsorship, it would respect the committee’s wishes.
“I understand that the club has about 10 officials, and they could have asked any of them to come present if they are busy and actually take us seriously.”
The Herald
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