Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, a proven expert in matters relating to money, has the right to smell a rat whenever deals are struck, lest this country is conned by tax dodgers.
Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, a proven expert in matters relating to money, has the right to smell a rat whenever deals are struck, lest this country is conned by tax dodgers.
Perhaps this explains why some have been heaping praise on the likeable minister since his protest letter to Absa.
Curiously though, it appears that Manuel blundered by meddling in issues affecting another ministry, the Sports and Recreation under Makhenkesi Stofile.
With facts not coming forth, it would seem that Manuel wrote his letter following a "hot tip-off" that some people within the executive committee of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) would be receiving R50 million from Absa.
This for clinching the R500 million for its league competition.
Sadly though, it appears Manuel acted on hearsay.
The PSL has clinched two deals so far since the start of the new season in August, the first being the staggering R1,6 billion and lately the league competition sponsorship.
If indeed, there are club bosses within the PSL who are in there to enrich themselves, then they need to be exposed and removed from power.
Events, however, seem to say the opposite is true because facts are that no one has benefitted from the two deals. Absa also insists that it has never promised to deposit money into the bank accounts of certain PSL officials.
Manuel is way offside and he needs to acknowledge that he acted rather hastily.
By the way, the PSL club bosses are still to decide on whether to pay people whom they send out to look for sponsorship or not.
But we have already heard that rather than thank members of the PSL executive with cash, in- stead the PSL should look into donating that money to the development of the game. Brilliant! Sports Indaba also agrees that the PSL should consider putting something aside for the improvement of our referees.
But I find it peculiar that, once more, these suggestions are only made on public platforms when there is controversy.
All things considered, I think politicians must stick to their politics and leave the running of the PSL to PSL affiliates.
Let us therefore allow the PSL clubs - without any form of intimidation - to debate the bonus issue and reach a conclusion.
I am, nevertheless, of a view that there should be some form of "thank you" for those who brought in sponsorship in the league.
But should "No" win the votes, that should be respected.
On a more lighter note, the battle of the airwaves in our football between old campaigners SABC 1 and new-kid on the block, SuperSport, has brought along with it some interesting dimensions.
As one listens to some of the commentators you get a feel that that the guys are really doing their utmost to impress, bandla.
Curiously though, some of them tend to go overboard and end up annoying us with deviations. Or should I say going off tangent
Indeed. Baba Mthethwa, the Sesotho commentator for SABC 1 has found himself an identity - Ho Thaaaaata, Banna - as Zama "ZZ" Masondo would thrill us with his Laduuuuma.
However, Mthethwa will have to learn to stick to Sesotho and leave English to those assigned to do so in that language.
For the benefit of clarity, no other Charles either than Charles Dickens penned Great Expectations.
Phambili basasazi, phambili!
lmikam@sowetan.co.za
Politicians, leave PSL in the hands of its affiliates
Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, a proven expert in matters relating to money, has the right to smell a rat whenever deals are struck, lest this country is conned by tax dodgers.
Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, a proven expert in matters relating to money, has the right to smell a rat whenever deals are struck, lest this country is conned by tax dodgers.
Perhaps this explains why some have been heaping praise on the likeable minister since his protest letter to Absa.
Curiously though, it appears that Manuel blundered by meddling in issues affecting another ministry, the Sports and Recreation under Makhenkesi Stofile.
With facts not coming forth, it would seem that Manuel wrote his letter following a "hot tip-off" that some people within the executive committee of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) would be receiving R50 million from Absa.
This for clinching the R500 million for its league competition.
Sadly though, it appears Manuel acted on hearsay.
The PSL has clinched two deals so far since the start of the new season in August, the first being the staggering R1,6 billion and lately the league competition sponsorship.
If indeed, there are club bosses within the PSL who are in there to enrich themselves, then they need to be exposed and removed from power.
Events, however, seem to say the opposite is true because facts are that no one has benefitted from the two deals. Absa also insists that it has never promised to deposit money into the bank accounts of certain PSL officials.
Manuel is way offside and he needs to acknowledge that he acted rather hastily.
By the way, the PSL club bosses are still to decide on whether to pay people whom they send out to look for sponsorship or not.
But we have already heard that rather than thank members of the PSL executive with cash, in- stead the PSL should look into donating that money to the development of the game. Brilliant! Sports Indaba also agrees that the PSL should consider putting something aside for the improvement of our referees.
But I find it peculiar that, once more, these suggestions are only made on public platforms when there is controversy.
All things considered, I think politicians must stick to their politics and leave the running of the PSL to PSL affiliates.
Let us therefore allow the PSL clubs - without any form of intimidation - to debate the bonus issue and reach a conclusion.
I am, nevertheless, of a view that there should be some form of "thank you" for those who brought in sponsorship in the league.
But should "No" win the votes, that should be respected.
On a more lighter note, the battle of the airwaves in our football between old campaigners SABC 1 and new-kid on the block, SuperSport, has brought along with it some interesting dimensions.
As one listens to some of the commentators you get a feel that that the guys are really doing their utmost to impress, bandla.
Curiously though, some of them tend to go overboard and end up annoying us with deviations. Or should I say going off tangent
Indeed. Baba Mthethwa, the Sesotho commentator for SABC 1 has found himself an identity - Ho Thaaaaata, Banna - as Zama "ZZ" Masondo would thrill us with his Laduuuuma.
However, Mthethwa will have to learn to stick to Sesotho and leave English to those assigned to do so in that language.
For the benefit of clarity, no other Charles either than Charles Dickens penned Great Expectations.
Phambili basasazi, phambili!
lmikam@sowetan.co.za