Succession in MSSA

Expressing his views.

When reviewing the USA's 2016 Presidential elections, many  people have been heard to say, "Really are those two (Clinton and Trump) the best that  America  has got?".

Should the truth be told no-one outside of the ruling elite of the Republican and Democratic parties really knows why the candidates were chosen, and which special interest groups  are being served.

But is this how all democratic systems work?

Certainly the system used by MSSA is a far better system.

Any Registered Player may be nominated by any member club. Thus even if a Registered Player is unpopular within his/her own club, he/she can still get another club to nominate him/her.

Thus in the 2016 elections, no fewer than 13 out of 25 nominations were made by clubs to which the candidate was not affiliated.

Not only that, but any amount of nominations may be made. There is no limit. Thus there are five (5) Registered Players who have been  nominated tor the position of Vice-President (Development).

Thus member clubs are spoilt for choice.

However, there are the positions where there is only a choice between two candidates, or even a few positions where  there is only one candidate. Even though there are some who believe that  where there is only one candidate, it is not really democratic, my response is that such persons do not really understand democracy.

After all the nomination system is open to  all members, if some candidates are 'lucky' enough to be unopposed, that is not the candidates fault, it is the fault of the membership.

That then, in essence, is MSSA's succession plan. It is up  to every club to train and develop Registered Players who are capable of taking over the various positions and thus help run MSSA.

MSSA can only be a strong as the sum total of its member clubs.

As Jace Naidoo prepares to leave the Presidency of Swimming South Africa

Jace Naidoo - President of Swimming South Africa

And so it seems as though the South African Sports Community will be saying goodbye to Jace Naidoo as President of Swimming South Africa.

Why?

Well, SASCOC has a clause in its Constitution (10.2.2) that does not allow ANY federation to allow Board Members to hold the same office for more than twelve (12) years.

As we all know, Jace was  elected into office in 2004.

Thus his 12 years of being president are up.

Of course this does not stop him from assuming a different position.

However, it is hard to go when you are on top, and just after the Rio Olympics too...

Certainly, the Jace I know, the Jace of high stature, impeccable ethics, solid moral grounding,  and virtue, will always comply to the rules - not like some other President's of sporting codes.

It will be interesting to  see the list of the candidates for the position at this year's AGM.