AGM addresses fallout from Modise scandal

Gerald Majola, the chief executive of the United Cricket Board, faces a commission of inquiry as the fall-out from the Diteko Modise fraud scandal gathers pace. Modise, the former financial manager, was alleged to have stolen at least R7.2 million from the UCB, and it has been suggested in the South African media that Majola might have been expected to pick up on his behaviour.

The UCB held their AGM at Johannesburg International Airport on Saturday and the general council, made up of the presidents of the provincial unions, decided to institute the inquiry. Their treasurer, John Blair, who has stepped down after four years in the post, was exonerated by the general council at an extraordinary meeting. "John Blair, as an honorary, non-executive office bearer," read a UCB statement, "was not and could not have been aware of the alleged theft committed by Mr Modise."

Advocate Norman Arendse SC, a UCB General Council member, will lead the commission of inquiry, and its terms of reference will be "to inquire into and report on the alleged misconduct of the CEO and members of his staff" and "to make findings and recommendations including, but not limited to, the taking of disciplinary action if necessary."

In other business at the AGM, Blair, who was replaced as treasurer by Haroon Lorgat, warned the UCB that it and its affiliates must "conform to strict financial disciplines" after a "very poor financial year", due in the main to income from the sale of TV rights dropping from R50 million to just R14.6 million.

Vuyisile Mgadle, the newly appointed Border president and Arendse, the head of Western Province cricket, took their places for the first time in the general council, with Eastern Province's Xolani Boqwana, North-West's Oupa Nkagiseng and Free State's Tim Khumalo voted in as the three black African representatives.

The general council will return tomorrow to discuss the new office bearers of Cricket SA (Pty) Ltd, with the heads of the six new professional franchises expected to be given the posts.