The Eastern Province Rugby Union said it has noted media reports on allegations made by the Ratepayers Association and Afriforum Port Elizabeth of money being paid to Access Management to fund the EP Kings.
EPRU executive member Vernon Stuurman said in a brief statement Tuesday "that as a responsible anchor tenant of Access Management, the EPRU take pride in its business relationship with the stadium operatior. which he says is built on sound business ethics."
AfriForum PE vice chairperson and chairperson of the Rate Payer's Association, Kobus Gerber told the DMB on AlgoaFM that tens of millions of Rands had been channelled through Axxess Management for certain sports events in the Metro and that taxpayers' money was being misused.
Stuurman said "as the finance referred to is said to have come from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, EP Rugby regards itself as a major stakeholder playing a particular part in the space of participatory governance. As a responsible anchor tenant of Access Management, we take pride in our business relationship with them which is built on sound business ethics."
"Anyone who wishes to imply differently should do so on their own," Stuurman added.
Access Management in turn said that any funds utilized by it the running of the stadium, are contained in an expense budget which is presented to and approved by council.
"This budget is submitted with all necessary documentation, as is required for proper governance," according to a statement.
"The documentation which is being sought by NMBRA and Afriforum as referred to in their statement, is in the possession of the City and they are free to approach the city should they wish to obtain such information. In view of the fact that Afriforum has made an application to the High Court with regard to its allegation, Access Management is not required to provide the former with any documentation, unless ordered to do so by the High Court."
"Access Management is audited annually by Grant Thornton Inc, a reputable international firm of Charted Accountants and each year, has received a clean audit."
