NHA
Since the special AGM in January 2014, the NHA board has consisted of 12 members. Of those 12 members, 7 are elected (3 from the central provinces, 2 from KZN, 1 from the Western Cape and one from the Eastern Cape) and those members currently comprise Adv. Altus Joubert (Chairman), Robin Bruss, Jonathan Wits-Hewinson, Rodney Trotter, Roy Moodley, Etienne Braun and Cecil Byleveld respectively.
Current Chairman, Adv Altus Joubert
The remaining 5 members of the Board are appointed by various racing organisations including the TBA, Phumelela, Kenilworth Racing, Gold Circle and someone to represent owners. Those five currently are Susan Rowett, Rian du Plessis (who is stood in for on occasion by Patrick Davis), Vidrik Thurling, Graeme Hawkins and Larry Wainstein.
In accordance with the Constitution, every year the two longest standing members need to stand down and can then either choose to stand for re-election, or opt to be replaced. During the course of 2014, Etienne Braun resigned and having chosen not to make himself available for re-election, has been replaced by Steinhoff director and soon to be Racing Trust chairman, Johann du Plessis.
Standing for election – Andy O’Connor
The next longest standing member is Adv Altus Joubert. Although Adv Joubert has served as the Chairman for the past year, there is nothing in the NHA Constitution to protect the Chairmanship and so his seat is up for re-election. Although Adv Joubert has made himself available for re-election, in a somewhat unusual move, Mr Andy O’Connor has decided to stand against him. Mr O’Connor is a local owner and breeder, but is probably better known for his role in the cricketing world. He was proposed by Mr M.K. Naidoo and seconded by Mr T. Raath.
Because it is a Central Provinces seat that is in contention, only members from the Central Provinces are eligible to vote. The NHA emailed notices, pen pics of both candidates and ballot sheets to members on 22 October. Any members who have not received an email who would like to vote, are encouraged to please contact Colin Hall at the NHA for details. Voting is currently open and closes at 12 noon on 15 November 2014.
