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Socialite, businesswoman, and Royal AM boss Shauwn Mkhize has broken her silence over unpaid salaries and promising to resolve the matter.
Mam’Mkhize, as she is affectionately known is being investigated over her large tax debt. Her properties and cars were also attached by SARS, which claimed that the club boss owes them R40 million in tax debts.
According to SABC Sport, Royal AM players have not returned for training and are demanding outstanding salary payments for December.
The South African Football Players Union (Safpu) has requested an urgent meeting with Royal AM to gain formal clarity following reports that players went on a strike, Sunday World reported.
On Monday night, Chippa United issued a statement confirming their upcoming Betway Premiership clash against Thwihli Thwahla at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium had been postponed “with no given reason.”
The club’s financial struggles are well-documented, including a FIFA transfer ban over a R15-million debt to Samir Nurkovic and SARS raiding club president Shauwn Mkhize’s properties for nearly R40-million in tax debt linked to her family trust.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the club said “Royal AM wishes to address the situation regarding the non-payment of salaries for December, affecting our players, technical team and staff.”
Royal AM commits
“We acknowledge the hardship this has caused and extend our apologies to those affected, including their families.
“As many are aware, the club is under curatorship after a preservation order obtained by Sars. While this has resulted in the temporary appointment of a curator, Jaco Venter, to oversee the club’s assets and operations, we assure 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 with the curator to secure permission to release funds for salary payments.
“It has always been the ethos of Royal AM to prioritise the wellbeing of our personnel and we remain dedicated to upholding that principle despite the challenges.
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“We appreciate the patience and support of our players, staff and their families during this time.
“We thank our fans, sponsors and 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 updates as developments unfold.”
