SARU CEO should be suspended 

29 January 2016

The DA notes revelations contained in a preliminary report by KPMG that South African Rugby Union (SARU) CEO, Jurie Roux, allegedly made unauthorised transfers from the University of Stellenbosch’s reserve funds to the Stellenbosch Rugby Club whilst employed at the university over a period of nine years. 

The damning allegations include that Mr Roux and a colleague collaborated to make these transfers between 2002 and 2010, using software that would not leave an audit trail, hiding and withholding about R35 million of the university’s reserve from the council. 

In light of the magnitude of these allegations and the pressing need to maintain good governance in sport, we have today written to the President of SARU, Mr Oregon Hoskins, to call on him to temporarily place Mr Roux on suspension while the court case between him and the Stellenbosch University is under way. 

The leadership of SARU was always aware that Mr Roux left Stellenbosch University with a dark cloud hanging over his head due to allegations of financial misappropriation - yet they deemed him fit to be appointed CEO. Now that the preliminary report has revealed the extent of Mr Roux's financial misconduct, SARU must take immediate decisive action if it values good governance in rugby. 

South Africa’s rugby administration cannot remain in the leadership of somebody who is embroiled in serious allegations of financial mismanagement.

Statement issued by Solly Malatsi MP, DA Shadow Minister of Sports and Recreation, 29 January 2016