There is a well-known Afrikaans-saying in Cape Town which goes…. “Hier kom ‘n ding!”
Now, loosely translated it basically means that something big and dramatic is about to go down – and in this instance, it is a matter between the Sport Stepping Stones (SSS) and Safa Cape Town and its president, Bennett Bailey (pictured).
The SSS is hellbent in their pursuit for justice and to establish what really happened to the proceeds generated from the Football for Humanity initiative which saw a Palestine National team who featured in two friendly matches in Cape Town in February 2024 as a show of solidarity and support to the ongoing genocide in Gaza at the hands of Israel.
So, No Bones with Jones has in its possession a copy of the Sport Stepping Stones’ (SSS) legal document that was lodged with the High Court into this missing money matter on Monday.
The Safa CT president, Bennett Bailey, has now been served in his personal capacity, and this was received by the region’s office manager, Greschen Jaftha. So, too is the Cape’s Mother body, who is also listed as the First defendant.
This follows repeated efforts from SSS to Safa CT to clarify the issue, but the Cape’s Mother body was nonchalant blatantly ignoring SSS’ legal correspondence and had absolutely no inclination to resolve the matter – hence, the matter is where it is at the moment.
With this issue being omitted by the auditors from Safa CT’s financials, one got the impression that everything was settled. However, it is strange that no mention was made, given that a full explanation was issued on the settling of Mario van Niekerk’s case.
Also, an amount of R530 000 was transferred from the Palestinian monies to help cover expenses. This gives the impression that an agreement must have been reached. The current legal matter lodged by SSS tells a completely different story.
The document speaks of a meeting held in Rondebosch where a person who represented the Palestinian Cause was also present – and a special account operated by two members of SSS and Bailey, representing Safa CT, was discussed and opened.
At this particular meeting, it was mutually agreed that the proceeds will be split into three – amongst SSS, Safa CT and the Palestinian cause.
All business deposits and expenses in respect of the project had to only be conducted from this account. SSS conducted all its business from this account. Safa CT, however, did not open a new account where the proceeds could be channelled, instead, they used their current account which was also in breach of the agreement.
Apparently, SSS is still waiting for the information from this account. Despite repeated requests, this has not been forthcoming.
The SSS Foundation arranged this football festival dubbed ‘Football for Humanity’ in February 2024 to show their solidarity and support for the ongoing Palestinian struggle, which they have been doing for many years.
The SSS Foundation consulted Safa CT – as any football-related matters must be cleared by the region – who in turn sanctioned the ‘Football for Humanity’ initiative. This event was also supported by Safa National and the national government, given the historic and auspices occasion.
No one really expected a noble and meaningful initiative could unravel with such controversy and mockery! What is even more alarming is the fact that Safa CT – out of the blue – donated a R100 000 to the Gift of the Givers. Why? Was it to allegedly clear their conscience?
How is it possible that Safa CT was the only entity to benefit from an initiative that should have been split three ways?
