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Roux won't resign but SA Rugby may take decision out of his hands
By Chris Jones
South African media sources are reporting that controversial figure Jurie Roux does not plan on resigning from his position following the loss of his appeal against having to pay back £1.7m (R37m) to his former employer Stellenbosch University, but his future as SA Rugby chief executive looks certain to be decided in January.
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According to the Rapport newspaper, the board of SA Rugby will meet in the middle of January while the executive committee is scheduled to convene towards the end of January to rule on Roux’s future. While SA Rugby’s offices are shut for the Festive period, by then the organization would have received feedback from their legal advisors as to the way forward.
In total, Stellenbosch University claimed R37,116,402 in damages from Roux. Roux had used a financial computer programme and had without authorisation altered its unrestricted reserves – which are funds which can only be spent with the authority of the institution’s Council – to R35,312,004.
Roux on Thursday lost an appeal against an arbitrator who ruled that he misappropriated funds between 2002 and 2010 when he worked for Stellenbosch University’s finance department.
SA Rugby issued a statement last week after the verdict and do no intend to enter into speculation until Roux has sought legal advice. Their statement read:“The Executive Council [Exco] of SA Rugby has been advised of the outcome of the appeal of the arbitration process involving Jurie Roux and his former employer, Stellenbosch University. SA Rugby will make no further comment until such time as the Exco has had the opportunity to confer with its legal advisers.”
Professor Stan du Plessis, CEO of Stellenbosch University, said the institution was pleased with the outcome. “SU [Stellenbosch University] is delighted that this case has been completed successfully, with awards in its favour on all its claims,” he said.“This was due to SU’s commitment to good corporate governance.”
