Proudly SA CEO not aware his contract would not be renewed

Durban – On Wednesday Proudly South Africa’s chief executive officer Leslie Sedibe told News24 that he was not aware that his contract would not be renewed when it ends in August.

"I cannot comment on anything I do not know about. I am still waiting for the board to come back to me on the matter," Sedibe told News24.

However, News24 has seen a letter from the acting board chairperson, Joseph Maqhekeni, sent on June 20 informing board members, suggesting that Sedibe had been informed of the board’s decision to not renew and advertise the post internally and externally for a suitable candidate.

The letter reads: “After receiving the Proudly SA Board decision minutes regarding the Proudly SA CEO post, because of my busy schedule and chasing time to communicate the decision, I informed the Proudly SA CEO verbally. I did indicate to him that the Board delegation will inform him officially.”

News24 reported on Wednesday that Sedibe’s future at the organisation hangs in the balance after the board decided not to renew his contract.

News24 has seen the board's resolution which was taken on June 10 in Rosebank where the board was asked to review whether it would consider to automatically renew Sedibe's contract or to advertise the post internally and externally for a suitable candidate.

According to the document, the board took a decision not to renew Sedibe's contract and that the position should be advertised internally and externally for a suitable candidate.

Several sources including Maqhekeni and the Department of Trade and Industry spokesperson Sidwell Medupe confirmed that Sedibe's position would be advertised and he was eligible to reapply for the position.

Sedibe made headlines recently when the former South African Football Association [SAFA] CEO launched a R5m lawsuit against his former employers for defamation, according to a June 20 Sunday World report.

According to a Sport24 report, Sedibe is currently serving a five year ban [and was fined over R300 000] from all football-related events after allegedly fixing friendly Bafana Bafana games in 2010.

The ban was reportedly imposed on Sedibe in March 2016 after news broke that South Africa allegedly paid R10m to host the FIFA World Cup. 

However, Sedibe accused SAFA officials, including current CEO, Dennis Mumble, of tarnishing his name and reputation.