Macufe 2022: Lawsuit imminent as government files papers 11 days later

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The legal battle in the 2022 Macufe edition which saw the appointment of Consumer Connectedness (C-2) declared unlawful and set aside is likely to reach finality after department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation filed appeal papers 11 days later.

This followed the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) referring the matter back to Free State High Court and the applicant which is the department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation were allegedly given 60 days to file papers and the deadline was on the 30 September 2023 but they missed it.

Step UP SA News has it on good authority the department only filed on Monday, 16 October 2023.

A legal eagle who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation said this signaled bad news for the department.

“I can tell you now they will have have to apply for condonation and will be opposed and as far as this matter is concerned, legally the appeal has lapsed and there are no legal avenues left.”

Asked if this could open a window for lawsuit she said.

“Definitely, once the Free State High Court pronounces itself on the matter, DS Consortium will start to claim damages and that will be in the range of R30 million excluding legal costs.

It’s a win-win situation for DS Consortium.”

It remains to be seen if the new boss at SACR, Steve Tshabalala will take any action against those who were part of the BEC considering he was part of the meeting that resolved to take the matter to SCA.

This is an oncoming story.

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