Cricket South Africa (CSA) acting president Beresford Williams was one of the members of the organisation excused from Tuesday’s Parliament briefing due to being implicated in wrongdoing, according to the Fundudzi forensic audit report.
Following a dramatic appearance in front of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture last week, CSA committed to present the full version of the report to Parliament by Friday, 9 October. This was after releasing its summary earlier in the week.
Beresford Williams asked to leave
The organisation made good on its word and, on Tuesday, it was back in front of the committee via a virtual sitting.
However, a high-profile member of CSA’s delegation was not present for much of the presentation after being told to recuse himself ahead of the proceedings.
Williams – who stepped in as acting president after Chris Nenzani’s resignation in August – left the sitting after the committee demanded that anyone implicated in wrongdoing according to the report.
The former CSA vice-president is said to have a conflict of interest complaint raised against him.
“The conflict against the acting president Mr Williams was reported to the members’ council and the members decided that‚ while his matter was considered serious‚ the members decided that Mr Williams should not step down‚” independent board member Marius Schoeman told the committee.
Crunch day for CSA
Williams is also in the running for the presidency of the organisation, along with three others.
Also recusing himself from the presentation was CSA secretary Welsh Gwaza after members of parliament complained about his handling of the handover of the report.
The organisation is also expected to have another meeting with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa where, among other things, it will seek clarity with regulations regarding a proposed tour to England.
