Following a consultation with legal advisors on June 2, 2021, the IBFC2020MC was advised to commission an independent investigation. This recommendation stemmed from concerns that SAFA was behaving subjectively rather than with the neutrality it claimed. SAFA’s attempts to hold the IBFC2020MC accountable for historical management failures were deemed unacceptable. It was noted that since all communications were documented in writing (letters, emails, WhatsApp messages), an independent investigation could be conducted efficiently. The BFC also prepared to request an independent review or arbitrator if the situation escalated further. Given that the legal work could be secured on a pro bono basis, the decision was made to appoint an attorney.

We were referred to attorney Buks van der Schyff, a former SAPS Narcotics commander (Durban) who had transitioned to private legal practice. His background as a pigeon fancier and his experience serving on various club management committees made him an ideal candidate with relevant and extensive experience. Mr. van der Schyff was formally appointed on June 3, 2021.

Following a preliminary review of the events and correspondence, our attorney highlighted what appeared to be SAFA’s strategy to shift blame onto the IBFC2020MC, effectively portraying the club as the source of the problem, and not the member’s conduct. It was noted that the IBFC2020MC members were individually targeted by SAFA, especially on the WhatsApp discussions. This approach further supported the notion that SAFA was not impartial.

The perceived motivation behind this strategy appeared to be an attempt by SAFA to exert control. However, our conviction remained that honesty was essential to finding a resolution. Despite any prevailing perceptions of our role, the intention was to contribute to a solution, and we believed that speaking out could help address the existing power dynamic.

Slowly, SAFA was starting to question IBFC2020MC decisions in 2020. While SAFA was fully aware of all the facts about the BFC, not raising any concern at the time, now finding it appropriate to raise concerns following the arrest of the BFC member, raised concerns.

SAFA first requested that the IBFC2020MC hold an interim AGM to elect what they termed a ‘legitimate’ BFC management committee. The IBFC2020MC committee complied, and on June 11, 2021, a virtual AGM was held. During this AGM, the BFC membership re-elected the existing interim management committee as the official 2021 BFC Management Committee, which would manage affairs until the full AGM at the end of the 2021 club year (post-August 31, 2021). SAFA was formally notified of the outcome. Despite this electoral reaffirmation, the underlying issues between the BFC and SAFA remained far from resolved for SAFA.

The situation between the BFC and SAFA deteriorated significantly thereafter. Communications from some SAFA members reportedly escalated to personal attacks, including derogatory and inflammatory comments, which appeared to target the BFC 2020 management committee members personally rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand.