Royal AM have confirmed that its players, technical staff, and other employees have not received their December 2024 salaries, attributing this delay to a preservation order obtained by SARS.
The preservation order has resulted in the appointment of a curator, Jaco Venter, to oversee the club’s assets and operations. This means that Venter has been given the authority to manage the club’s finances and ensure that its assets are protected while SARS investigates any outstanding tax obligations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Royal AM president Shauwn ‘Mamkhize’ Mkhize expressed regret over the situation. She said the club is “working diligently with Venter to secure the necessary permissions to release funds for salary payments.”
Thwihli Thwahla have been embroiled in the ongoing SARS conflict involving businesswoman ‘MamMkhize’. This includes a series of raids on properties linked to Mkhize by SARS officials and police in November of last year. Mkhize is facing allegations of owing SARS R40 million in unpaid taxes.
Compounding these issues is a FIFA-imposed transfer ban stemming from the club’s failure to pay former striker Samir Nurkovic R15 million in outstanding wages.
The ongoing financial difficulties have also led to the PSL postponing Royal AM’s next fixture against Chippa United, scheduled for Saturday, January 11th, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
‘MAMMKHIZE’ BREAKS SILENCE ON ROYAL AM CRISIS
However ‘MamMkhize’ has committed to resolving the issues and prioritising employee well-being, even though no timeline has been given for a return to normal operations or salary payments.
“Royal AM Football Club wishes to address the unfortunate situation regarding the non-payment of salaries for December 2024, affecting our valued players, technical team, and staff. We acknowledge the hardship this has caused and extend our heartfelt apologies to those impacted, including their families,” reads Shauwn Mkhize’s statement.
“As many are aware, the club is currently under curatorship following a preservation order obtained by SARS. While this has resulted in the temporary appointment of a curator, Mr Jaco Venter, to oversee the club’s assets and operations, we want to assure all stakeholders that Royal AM remains committed to resolving this matter as swiftly as possible.
“The club’s management team, led by our CEO and General Manager, has been working diligently with the curator to secure the necessary permissions to release funds for salary payments. It has always been the ethos of Royal AM to prioritize the well-being of our personnel, and we remain dedicated to upholding that principle despite the current challenges.
“We appreciate the patience and support of our players, staff, and their families during this difficult time. Additionally, we thank our fans, sponsors, and broader stakeholders for their continued trust and loyalty.
“Royal AM is committed to preserving the integrity of the club and ensuring its long-term success. We remain optimistic that this situation will be resolved soon, and we will provide timely updates as developments unfold.”
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