GALFA Pressing the Restart Button

GALFA has been experiencing governance issues affecting its stature as an LFA for some time. Several renewal plans have been discussed, but all kept falling back into a hopeless abyss. Once again, the Tshwane Regional Football Association (formerly SAFA Tshwane) has been called to assist with the way forward. during the consultative meeting with the LFA’s membership, the regional representatives led a solution mapping for the LFA, with the primary focus on electing a new leadership.

The LFA will be preparing to convene an elective Congress to elect its new leadership. This leadership will be mandated to address the residue problems, while ensuring that it focuses on properly and proactively running football and improves governance.

On Thursday, August 22, the region will meet with GALFA’s EXCO in preparation for the elections. Important tasks to be fulfilled are:

1. To determine the date of the election,
2. To appoint the Electoral Body / Officer,
3. To prepare the electoral process with timelines and due dates,
4. To prepare the nomination forms,
5. To establish the ‘In Good Standing’ Status for all Members,
6. To draft and agree on the communication plan,
7. To communicate the notice of the Congress, nominations, Membership standing, and credentials deadlines according to the communication plan,
8. To start with the process,

The region will only assist with the expertise, and not take over the process.

Members are also urged to give this process a chance and to exercise extreme caution when embarking on the nomination process. The region advises that when faced with options to nominate candidates, to always consider the following:

1. Does the person have an undeniable interest in football?
2. Does he/she have the capacity?
3. Is he or she capable of the role he/she is being nominated for?

Most of the time, executive committees end up going south because Members do not conduct their due diligence in nominating and electing people to positions. It is useless to elect someone who is not invested in football in your community. A little difficulty will lead the person to deflect. Similarly, there is no point in electing someone who is oversubscribed with other responsibilities, be it work, family, or other responsibilities. They will not prioritise your organisation in the time of need. While it is okay to elect someone who does not have a skill for the identified role, there is no point in electing someone who is incapable of learning. Your organisation will only be stagnant and regress.

As a region, we are projecting that by end of September 2024, GALFA will have a new leadership. In so doing, we wish them well and assure them of our assistance and support in these trying times.

END