Smell of peace is in the air for indaba

It is all systems go for the longawaited bi-annual elective congress of Eastern Cape Boxing Promoters Association next weekend.

After dilly-dallying when the congress was postponed several times, ECBPA deputy chairman Andile Bakubaku said the congress will eventually take place at Chintsa next Friday.

“Everything has been put in place and finally promoters will elect their own leaders,” said Bakubaku.

He said the congress will be held under the theme “one roof” which calls all warring factions to come under one roof to put their differences aside and elect the leadership.

This call stems from one rival group which held its own elections and is claiming to be a legitimate structure.

Bakubaku, who was part of the rival group, before coming back to the ECBPA chaired by Ayanda Matiti said the congress is carrying a peace approach.

“We do not want this war between us as promoters hence the congress is open to everyone to come and exercise his or her democratic right to elect people of their choice.”

The congress is supported and funded by Boxing SA which means the leadership to be elected will be considered as a legitimate structure.

There has been teething problems such as the adoption of a promoters’ constitution which the rival group argue should only limit the term of office of leadership to a single year.

However the Matiti-led strucSudani’s ture is insisting on two years.

But Bakubaku said the constitution could be amended if promoters so wish.

“All these issues are not cast in stone. If promoters want some sections to be changed in the constitution that will happen.”

It is not yet clear who will be running for which positions but Matiti has indicated that he will not stand for reelection.

Bakubaku, however, is favoured to ascend to the chairmanship position if the Thando Zonke-led group declines to attend the meeting.

He said the congress will be held under the theme ‘one roof’