EP Rugby clubs have important decisions to make on July 27 when they gather for a special general meeting which could bring to an end months of infighting among executive members.
Acting president George Malgas, reinstated to the top job after a high court order in June, has written to clubs informing them of the key meeting where emotions between rival factions will run high.
After a series of disturbances at recent EP meetings, security levels will be raised in an attempt to avoid clashes between warring officials.
Judge Vuyokazi Noncembu ruled in Malgas’s favour after he lodged an application in April to have EPRU president Gerald Antonie and his deputy, Roger Serfontein, removed from office.
The judge also set aside a series of earlier rulings made by EP Rugby which have had far-reaching implications for the union.
Though nothing has been confirmed, Malgas and Antonie are expected to put their names into the hat when an election is eventually held.
Malgas says it is up to the clubs to decide on a way forward, but he feels the time has come for them to decide on a date so early elections can be held.
If clubs opt for early elections, there will be a nomination process which is expected to be overseen by SA Rugby.
The other option is for clubs to delay an election until early 2025 when EP holds its annual meeting.
If clubs decide to go down that route, the executive would co-op members to fill vacancies until an election is held.
With so much bad blood between officials, it is unlikely clubs will wait until 2025 to hold elections.
Any delay would fuel tensions and further destabilise the embattled union.
At the meeting, clubs will be briefed on the high court order which ruled Malgas be reinstated as the union’s acting president.
Malgas says EP have a commitment from SA Rugby to help in ensuring there is some sort of order in the run-up elections and the attendance at the meeting.
It's time for EP clubs to bite the bullet and go for early elections.
A delay will fuel the fires of discontent burning at the divided union.
HeraldLIVE
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