The Limpopo High Court on Thursday reinstated Abel Rakoma and his executive committee back to the leadership of SAFA Capricorn region with immediate effect.
The judgment brings the two and a half year dispute between the group and the association to an end.
The Rakoma led committee was disbanded by SAFA head office in December 2018 with the interim committee only elected at the beginning of March 2020.
The group felt they were unconstitutionally removed from their positions. SAFA, who are the respondents in this case, were not in court in Polokwane on Thursday morning leaving Judge George Phatudi to rule in the applicant’s favour as SAFA’s absenteeism reasons were not solid.
In the audio below, a representative of the group Amos Vilakazi of AM-Tau-Vilkazi Attorneys explains the proceedings.
Vilakazi adds that had it not been for the national lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus starting at midnight, his clients should be walking into their offices and commencing with work.
The attorney further says he is expecting SAFA to fight the judgment however is confident the association does not have a leg to stand on.
In the audio below, he also adds that the biggest lesson to be drawn from this case is that people in leadership should stop abusing their authority.
Meanwhile, Rakoma says he is relieved that the matter has come to an end.
In the audio below, Rakoma adds that the group was removed unconstitutionally and justice has been served.
– Report by Lethabo Kganyago
“Today we obtained judgment against @SAFA_net essentially reinstating my clients back to their positions as members of SAFA Capricorn region Exco~ Amos Vilakazi of AM Tau Vilakazi Attorneys. @SABC_INFO_HUB @SPORTATSABC #SabcNews pic.twitter.com/Fsf1oQq481
— Rakgadi’a bana (@ngwanamogoto) March 26, 2020
“It is bad. The league have actually come to a stand. As our council has indicated it was a deliberate abuse of power by the powers that be~ Abel Rakoma after being reinstated as @SAFA_net Capricorn region chairman by the Limpopo High Court. @SABC_INFO_HUB @SPORTATSABC #SabcNews pic.twitter.com/C1QvoQUa10
— Rakgadi’a bana (@ngwanamogoto) March 26, 2020