New WPRFU president selected as Marais is blocked by security
NEWS: After months of canvassing and soliciting votes, the Western Province Rugby Football Union’s new president has finally been confirmed.
The elections took place with no observers present, with the disgraced former President Zelt Marais prevented from taking part.
On Wednesday, Kevin Kiewits was elected President of WPRFU.
He secured 54 percent of the votes.
Moneeb Levy takes the role of Deputy President with 63 percent of the votes, and Shamila Sulayman is the new Vice-President with 57 percent.
Achmat Jacobs, Andre Kermis, Anton Schelhase, Francois Bonthuys, Bulelani Mlakalaka, Siyabonga Hani, Ruben Machelm, and Riaaz Khan are the eight additional members.
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The build-up to the elections was marred by various incidents – the most significant one being the troubles surrounding Zelt Marias.
The former WPRFU President, Marais, was nominated for four positions: President, Deputy President, Vice President, and Executive Committee member.
However, his hopes of involvement in the game were dashed when the South African Rugby Union confirmed that an independent Appeal Panel upheld a disciplinary sanction for misconduct.
He was suspended for 10 years from any positions in the SARU, or any other rugby body, and from any activities in the sport for breaching the SARU Code of Conduct.
Marais tried to gain access to the premises and contest the election “under protest”.
However, he was prohibited by security guards at the door on Wednesday evening.
His name was also scratched from the ballot.
SARU appointed administrator Peter Jooste served as the moderator of the elections on their behalf.
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