Minister of Sport Nathi Mthethwa could intervene in the current crisis at Cricket South Africa if asked to do so, his spokesperson has confirmed.
Netwerk24 received confirmation from the department of sport that Mthethwa has indeed seen the beleaguered forensic audit of the corporate operations of CSA. Further reports indicate that Sascoc asked Mthethwa to intervene or assist the umbrella body with sorting out the mess at the cricketing governing body.
‘The report has been handed over to the minister by CSA. The minister has read the report but the findings remain confidential. CSA is responsible to act against the findings in the report and the minister will only intervene if he is requested to do so,’ said the spokesperson.
But, Netwerk24 further reports that Sascoc officially asked Mthethwa to intervene in a letter last week.
READ: CSA defends forensic report saga
Sascoc asked Mthethwa to take charge of the sinking CSA ship or provide them with the resources to help rectify the mess at the organisation.
Should Mthethwa intervene at full capacity CSA could find itself in hot water with the ICC, as government interference is strictly against the world body’s constitution.
Sascoc is apparently unhappy with the poor cooperation they have received from CSA since launching a 30-day investigation into the body, while asking board members to step aside on paid leave until the investigation is completed.
More worryingly, Sascoc is worried by CSA’s refusal to release the full report from the forensic audit, which has been kept secret from the public for close to two months now.