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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Acting Sports Editor
THE Sports and Recreation Commission has ordered Zifa to revert to the 2010 election fees as the present figures were unfair, discriminatory and inconsistent with the basic tenets of democratic governance.Zifa announced unprecedented election fees that some quarters felt were aimed at eliminating competition on behalf of the present Zifa regime led by Cuthbert Dube.
According to the fees schedule that was announced by the Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze late last month, individuals targeting Zifa board positions will have to fork out a whopping $10,000 with Premiership aspirants parting with $5,000 while those vying for the women’s football, beach soccer and five-a-side will pay $2,500.
Those that are interested in going for regional offices are expected to pay $1,500 with provincial candidates depositing $1,000 to stand for the elections while area zone nomination fees have been pegged at $100.
At its December 11 board meeting, the country’s supreme sports body board directed Zifa to review the figure to the 2010 levels.
“I wrote to Zifa a day after the board meeting informing them of the resolution but they (Zifa) are yet to get back to us but hopes are high that reason will prevail there,” said the SRC director general Charles Nhemachena yesterday.
After the board meeting, the SRC issued a statement on their resolution.
“The board noted with concern that the set fees were excessive to the extent that they were beyond the reach of many aspiring candidates who had the potential to contribute effectively to administration of the association and the development of football.
The SRC board considered the fees to be unfair, discriminatory and inconsistent with the basic tenets of democratic governance.
“The SRC further noted that the association intended to raise $1,095,450.00 of which $685,000 was meant to fund accommodation, allowances and meals.
While noting that it was not the responsibility of the candidates to fund the elections process, the Commission questioned the prudence in the manner in which Zifa intended to apply the resources.
“In view of the above, and taking into account representations made by some football stakeholders, the Commission resolved that the fees as set were unacceptable.
“Zifa would accordingly be advised to review their fees downwards and using the fees charged in the build-up to the 2010 elections as a basis,” said SRC.
The 2010 election fees that ushered in the present regime were set at $500 for the presidency, $400 for the Premier Soccer League and regions, $300 for provinces and $200 for area zones and districts.
Dube beat fireband Harare City chairman Leslie Gwindi who is reported to be eager to try his luck once again.
Bongani Ndlovu