Democracy in action.

Morizane Boyes - President of Mind Sports South Africa

Without a doubt, Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) is one of the most democratic institutions in South Africa.

This is how it should be as it is only through such process that all the views and opinions of all the members may be openly expressed.

On the Management Board, every member has a single vote, with only the chairperson having a casting vote should the vote be tied.

So, while there is no hierarchy, different positions do have different roles, duties and responsibilities.

As such, no one person can dominate the committee, no-one person is able to force through a decision, and no one person can block any decision from coming into being if it is in compliance with MSSA's constitution.

In other words all decisions are purely based on majority vote. If the majority vote 'Aye', then 'Aye' it is, and the rest of the board undertakes to abide by the decision.

Thus it is vital for every member club to fully participate in the Annual General Meeting held in December of every year whereat elections for the various positions are held.

Notifications are sent out in October of every year to remind member clubs to submit both motions and nominations. 2018 will be no different!

So who are really the community leaders?

Decisions being made.

Over the past number of months and years, the general population has witnessed a number of polls and elections. Some have caused outrage by those whose views/candidates did not win. Others have been accepted with quietness and calmness that befits a true democracy.

That is in fact the hallmark of a democracy. You do not always get what you want, but you have to accept the outcome and ensure that there is a peaceful transition of power. Any contestation of results must be done legally and in the proper manner.

Those that take to the streets in violent protest have no real interest in democracy or the rule of law.

Such people often chant that they are the community leaders, but no-one has voted them in, nor do they feel that they are accountable to anyone.

So it is with gaming in South Africa as many individuals protest long and loud that they are community leaders.

However, no-one has voted them in, nor do they feel the need to be accountable.

Instead such 'community leaders' behave as if they were demagogues who demand that others comply with their demands and criticize those that refuse to do so.

Woe betide those who dare to do things differently as such will 'troll' any other opinion, and in my opinion, in a malicious manner, much reminiscent of the 'playground bully'. Yet when confronted for their actions, such individuals are quick to play the victim.

That is the undeniable strength of MSSA, every person on every committee can only be there if due process is followed. Such office -bearers are either there because they have been voted in, or in the case of a vacancy - co-opted.

At elections, it is the majority vote that holds sway.

Thus, those who continually complain are either those who are the disaffected minority who want to enforce their views on the majority, or those who refuse to take part in a democratic process for whatever reason.

MSSA, remains committed with its open-door policy.

MSSA does not bear any grudges against anyone and any club, as long as it meets the constitutional requirements, may affiliate.

Democracy rules in MSSA!

Democracy rules!

Without doubt the MSSA is one of the most democratic sports organisations that exist - anywhere!

Clubs have a direct influence on the Annual General Meeting and their input is not watered down by artificial district and provincial structures.

Every club gets to see the Annual Financial Statements, decide on who is elected as well as have a say to any changes to the Constitution and Regulations.

And that is probably what irks the 'community'. The 'community' is largely made up of self-appointed guardians who do not have any form of electoral base and are certainly not voted in by anyone.

And that is probably why the 'community' (whoever they are, are so opposed to the MSSA.

The self-appointed 'community' is terrified of having to be voted in. It is after all a very humbling position to be in when you realise that you are not as popular as you thought you were.

But without fail, every year the MSSA holds its elections. Some clubs vote and others do not. Sometimes you get the person you want, and sometimes you don't, but in an organisation made up entirely of volunteers, that is really all you can hope for.

Even though the MSSA only holds its elections in December of every year, the MSSA has already started reminding the faithful of which positions are available. Incredible, the MSSA takes democracy so seriously!

The following positions will be up for election at the 2015 AGM in December 2015:

Management Board:

• 1st Vice-President (in charge of development)
• Board Gaming Representative
• Card Gaming representative
• Figure Gaming Representative
• Member representing Players with disabilities

Provincial Directors:

• Eastern Cape,
  
• Free State,
  
• Gauteng,
  
• KwaZulu Natal,
  
• Limpopo, 
• Mpumulanga,
  
• Northern Cape, and
  
• Western Cape

Regional directors:

• For all Regions (https://www.facebook.com/notes/mind-sports-south-africa-mssa/south-african-regions/10151061002682264)

Selection Committee

• All four positions
  

To stand for a position for any of the above positions, a player must be affiliated to an affiliated club and must be a fully-paid-up member as at the date of being nominated as well as at the date of election. Any Registered Player who has reached the age of majority may stand for any/all of the above-mentioned positions.

However, a Registered Player may only be elected into one position. Thus if a Registered Player is elected into a position, all other nominations are vitiated.

All nominations may only be made by affiliated members (clubs) which are fully -paid-up as at the date of the nomination.

No wonder that MWEB has sponsored the MSSA for three consecutive years.

The MSSA's committee in 2015 - who will be on it?

While talking to current MSSA committee members, one comes across a number of differing views about the number of committee positions available in 2015.

And why?

Because the system is totally democratic.

It is nothing else other than true democracy in action

Any member club can propose any Registered Player to stand for a position. In other words, the MSSA, as sponsored by MWEB, allows absolute control by its own membership.

The MSSA is therefore a sports body that fully subscribes to the notion of self-governance of the federation by the member clubs.

And this is something that SASCOC is trying to reign in. SASCOC wants succession plans which would stop committees from truly reflecting the face of the membership that they represent.

However, the MSSA remains true to its democratic principles and fights hard to ensure that the democratic principles are retained at all levels within the organization.

Thus, it is impossible to even predict who will be on the Management Board until all the nominations are in.

Then of course, the horse-trading begins as clubs start negotiating with other clubs to get support for their candidates.

However, the most interesting position available is the one for which clubs do not vote. Instead every Registered Player votes for the candidate.

The position is none other than that of the Player's Representative.

To be nominated as the Player's Representative, the nominee must have at least National or Protea Colours, have represented South Africa in international competition,  and be below the age of 30 at the time of election.

This committee member is to represent the views of the gamers!

With the increase of MSSA players participating in international events, it will indeed be interesting to see who stands.

Exciting times!