Late Saturday night, MSSA president Simphiwe Maphumulo finally saw fit to address the hundreds of questions that gamers had flooded Mweb with, in response to an interview that was posted there. Over 350 comments were posted over 48 hours, with a lot of folks angry and wanting reassurance. Maphumulo clearly, was having none of that.
From his lofty perch on high from the MSSA throne, el presidente Maphumulo saw fit to answer just least two questions, while ignoring the hundreds of legitimate queries that people had flooded Mweb with on Friday. Here’s his response:
Hi gamers this is Simphiwe Maphumulo, MSSA President. I will answer a few questions that you have posted. I would like to thank all valid questions, these are appreciated but all those false allegations: remember that I have a full time career as an auditor, now imagine what my bosses would say if they read this? I must say that action will be taken against such comments.
I will answer them per person. Admiral Chief in Vegas : yes it is the end of February, so what do you mean by that? You have to understand that Colin and I are different in a sense that he has his own business and I am employed and studying at the same time, I am sure you understand. Gavin Mannion : The MSSA is a PRIVATE association not Public.
In order for any complaint or question to be entertained, one must go through proper protocol ie through a club chairman and only then the matter would be addressed at a meeting. You did ask for an interview and I told you that I was going to get back to you when I could.
Lastly, you are to speak to Mr Colin Webster because he is the general secretary (GS). During his reign he did not have a GS and that is why you dealt with him directly, things have changed. In terms of the question about previously disadvantaged individuals, yes they do not have to pay but it is not based on colour but on the individual circumstances faced.
These are the questions that I am willing to answer. I repeat that the MSSA will only attend to inquiries from members. This principle is simple, do you know of any Federation that would attend to you if you are not registered members? They would tell you to take a hike. Thanks.
I don’t think words can adequately sum up how sad and angry a response like that makes me. First of all, as a company working as a government institution, the MSSA is anything but private. As an organisation that is supposed to promote various forms of gaming in the country, they are beholden to the public and have a responsibility to serve them, not themselves – much like any other sporting body that receives public funding and awards national colours.
As for going through proper channels? Not everyone has R500 to waste on lodging a complaint that will be ignored, Mr. Maphumulo. And it also seems that Mr. Maphumulo is as litigation-happy as his predecessor.
But this attitude, this “I’m too busy” to answer an interview even after three months? Now that gets my goat. We’ve spoken to plenty of folks in the industry, people who work 16 hour days but will gladly spend a few minutes talking to us, for good or bad. People who no matter how busy they are, won’t keep us waiting for three months to answer at least one question.
To Mweb, I say this: You guys are better than this. I’ve been to your press events, I’ve seen the love you do have for the gaming community, from hosting through to creating an actual lair with which to give teams a great arena to play in.
As sponsors, you guys have the influence necessary to actually help the MSSA start acting in a manner that would benefit the eSports community. As much as we’d like to see eSports handed over to someone competent like the DGL, we know that won’t happen anytime soon.
As for you Maphumulo, either get a PR person or keep quiet. You’re invisible at events with no one ever seeing you attend them, your attitude is unbecoming and your experience leaves a lot to be desired. If a single comment like this shows off your attitude to running a national organisation that you admit that you barely have time for, then now is a good time for gamers in the country to be concerned.
Last Updated: February 24, 2014
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:07
My response to Simphiwe Maphumulo is “take a hike.”
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:19
I bet he would do it for R500
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:32
I’d pay it but he’d have to go hiking in an area of my choosing.
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 08:40
area filled with landmines?
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:43
I was thinking steep crumbling cliffs but landmines also works.
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 09:09
well, how about huge boulders rolling down a steep hill filled with landmines. He will have to run down this hill …
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 11:34
I like the way you think.
Alex PsyChoPanthis
February 24, 2014 at 12:38
I agree with Kensei XD
Reckruitter
February 24, 2014 at 08:15
Its all about the money. They get a fat cheque from the government to go spend on the previously disadvantaged but do they spend ALL of it on the kids? I think not. I’ve seen similar issues when Flight Simulation was made part of the Aero Club of South Africa. These guys were bragging about the money they got from government.
Personally I see MSSA a lot cause and they will never send the real talent overseas as they must maintain a race quota like all other national sports. I think we should just ignore them and national colors and for an new private association, get sponsors to send our guys to big events. That way we can gain international exposure and prove to be better than MSSA.
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:23
Agreed, but it’s sad that it would be the only way. Everyone dream of representing their nation. In the apartheid era our rugby teams were known as The Barbarians. Now we have a Esports team known as the Southern barbarians but only because in a democracy our government body is failing us.
Skyblue
February 24, 2014 at 10:04
And M-WEB should be the first one’s to get on board. Great opportunity here after this moron posted that kak on one of their site. They can now clearly see what kind of organisation they are sponsoring.
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:19
Colin taught Simphiwe well…
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:23
Or Colin IS Simphiwe
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:23
Puppets, puppets everywhere
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view2/1405321/muppets-o.gif
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:25
XD
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 10:08
That made me lol way too much
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 10:22
I would go see this movie.
Unavengedavo
February 24, 2014 at 08:38
Oi, we are not allowed to make comments against Colin… He might use them against Gavin :O
Darthdad
February 24, 2014 at 08:20
“Is there somebody else up there we can talk to……..”
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:23
LOL!
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:32
Colin? 😉
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:32
To soon.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:20
Well that’s a couple of informative answers*(1) & I think we’ve all learned a lot*(2). The MSSA seems to be in great hands*(3) & Simphiwe definitely has the interests of gamers at heart*(4). I especially like that fact that he’s going to take action against negative comments*(5) & false allegations*(6) as any good auditor*(7) should.
*(1) although not particularly useful or informative in the way he intended
*(2) about how little he’s interested
*(3) of someone who says he’s too busy for it
*(4) a small, dead heart
*(5) poor baby 🙁
*(6) although not mentioning what the false ones are
*(7) appeal to authority much? That means nothing.
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:24
This!
General JJ the ashamed
February 24, 2014 at 08:25
Nice
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:28
Wow bro, someone got it all this morning 😉
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 09:52
Yes, I had real coffee this morning, not the instant stuff.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:44
You just need a disclaimer right at the bottom stating that your views are not that of your own and can not be held liable in anyway for the way in which you interpret his answers because you cannot control how your brain functions.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 09:52
lol. Who wrote that? I was haxX0r3d!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 10:04
Well discuss has often logged other users in as me while they were still on their profile. We all know this. It’s happened countless times to almost all of us here
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:21
It doesn’t make sense to me that a private body can issue national colours.
Gavin Mannion
February 24, 2014 at 08:23
My understanding is that this private body had been granted the rights by the government.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:24
That speaks volumes and makes perfect sense 🙂
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:31
I get that, it still doesn’t make sense though. A private body has no need to be transparent, which is his technically correct argument. But when it comes to something like the granting of national colours, it needs to be transparent to show there was no bias in the selections. This is why tinfoil hats get put on & something he doesn’t seem to understand.
General JJ the ashamed
February 24, 2014 at 08:42
The government has no rights over my private body!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:39
But then the part that was granted by government becomes a separate division which is public doesn’t it?
Gideon Venter
February 24, 2014 at 10:11
A couple of questions, if I may:
Can the government grant this right to another body?
If not, is it then legal for the government to give this right to a private body, seeing as it is obviously unethical.
loftie
February 24, 2014 at 11:29
lets go to Government direct, petition to get these fools out of the way or what?
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:22
In any case, my question was not even a question. More like a statement.
Perhaps I should have phrased it as the epic HK-47 would have.
[STATEMENT] THIS IS A STATEMENT
[QUESTION] WOULD THIS BE MORE APPLICABLE?
[CONDESENDING STATEMENT] THE MSSA AND ITS NEW “PRESIDENT” ARE MUPPETS
And so on and so forth
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:23
You left out “meatbag”
The D
February 24, 2014 at 08:23
Shut up you filthy non-affiliated peasant with questions 😛
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:24
[WARNING] CONTINUAL INSULTS WILL BE MET WITH REMOVAL OF YOUR MEATBAG LIMBS
General JJ the ashamed
February 24, 2014 at 08:26
[QUESTION] Why are you yelling?
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:28
[CLARIFICATION] Why, to get the point across.
General JJ the ashamed
February 24, 2014 at 08:30
[STANDARDIZED REPLY] Oh.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:30
HAHAhA! 🙂
General JJ the ashamed
February 24, 2014 at 08:24
You’re a muppet! ;P
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
February 24, 2014 at 09:55
Clarification
General JJ the ashamed
February 24, 2014 at 11:13
LOL
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:25
But did you pay your R500?
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:26
[STATEMENT] MONEY IS FOR MEATBAGS
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 08:34
aww man … now I want to play KOTOR again!! 🙂
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:11
Shut up and take all my upvotes!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:20
[OBSERVATION] Meatbags on Lagz have a fond memory of HK47
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:28
[AGREEMENT] Indeed it would seem the meatbags have some inkling of robotic superiority
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:33
[Assertion] Like PC master race people? 🙂
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:36
[CLARIFICATION] There is nothing other than the PC master race. Only inferior products
[JOKE]#Trollol
Guava_Eater
February 24, 2014 at 08:24
What a sad and aggressively defensive response, this guy seems to be a BEE puppet or something. LoL “…During his reign…” wake up its still “his reign”.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
February 24, 2014 at 08:26
“reign” as well. It should be “term,” but they obviously believe they are kings.
MSS-AY?
February 24, 2014 at 10:06
I think they meant “rain” as in money…
Guava_Eater
February 24, 2014 at 10:30
*AoK opens chat window*
8
“All Hail King of the Losers!”
ZA_Gamer
February 24, 2014 at 08:24
So he is doing this in his spare time? Can we not get a president that actually wants to be in the position and can devote his/her time to the MSSA?
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 08:25
Agreed, this must be the case!
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:28
Seconded.
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:31
Seems the modding is done in free time as well going by the grammatical errors in that comment.
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 08:33
https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=xv7Wi6Mx_sZMgM&tbnid=gtgOzVOHB5vZCM:&ved=0CAMQjhw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fknowyourmeme.com%2Fphotos%2F35050-grammar-nazi&ei=kucKU8r_EOqN0AX69YH4DA&bvm=bv.61725948,d.ZGU&psig=AFQjCNGDQAH0z2n4jEZx-ky_aibgmgDHtg&ust=1393309936704756
😉
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:34
I choose option E: You.
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:34
LOL
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 08:35
lol
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:34
I did nazi that coming 😛
Rags
February 24, 2014 at 09:38
BEE 😉 I want all teh things.
Lardus-Resident Perve
February 24, 2014 at 08:32
This is so sad! How can anyone with such a busy schedule actually be in this position? Surely he cannot act in this position any longer as he does not have the time to do so in any case!
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:35
Well his keeping his members in a position. A position over a barrel.
Lardus-Resident Perve
February 24, 2014 at 08:35
Lol, look at their website today:
Brendyn Zachary
February 24, 2014 at 08:37
Is that a DDoS?
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:39
They probably received more visits for the Mweb article than they ever expected and the connection to the server was capped.
HvR
February 24, 2014 at 09:08
*DOos.
There fix it.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:10
Nope. That’s the limit to how much traffic their site can take. They probably have a cheap option that only allows like 50 – 100 mb of site traffic before being limited.
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:38
Bwahahaha
janseng
February 24, 2014 at 08:46
Funny thing is MSSA had a working site 1-2 years ago that got hacked, instead of fixing it they made it… well u know
Mark Treloar
February 24, 2014 at 09:19
company that registered the domain name has this as a web page
HADEN SOFTWARE
This domain has been reserved for future use.
Johan Heymans
February 24, 2014 at 09:35
We should spam it every month maybe then they will take a few bucks from their own salary to upgrade their hosting or they will just not care again and let it stay like that.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:36
Y U USE IE????????????
Lardus-Resident Perve
February 24, 2014 at 09:40
Was stationed at a client for 3 years. Their corporate policy was IE, so I had to develop and test everything for IE. So force of habit I guess. Plus it came with the laptop. Do not fear, I have FireFox (which gave me issues at home) and Chrome installed as well.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:45
Chrome for perving?
😛
HvR
February 24, 2014 at 09:46
You now what they say once you go IE you might as well play in Glee.
Lardus-Resident Perve
February 24, 2014 at 09:53
What is Glee?
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:38
I don’t understand it. I spent many years studying part time while working, my final 2 years I barely had a weekend to myself, never mind the goddamn evening classes. My Friday evenings used to consist of going to bed early. So how the hell is he doing that AND running the MSSA? Not a damn.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:34
“They would tell you to take a hike.” So are you.
Arrogance 1 Understanding 0
hillbilly gamer
February 24, 2014 at 08:34
I think bad news on Monday to get I hate Mondays theme going
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:35
What would it take for a vote of no confidence, or equivalent, to get the MSSA to step down as the official eSports organizers?
Pieter Kruger
February 24, 2014 at 08:36
Probably about R100k at the very least……..
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 08:38
They would just ignore the vote. Or you must go and shut up.
Skyblue
February 24, 2014 at 10:13
LOL, thx for that!
Hammersteyn
February 24, 2014 at 10:21
We are a young democracy. The childishness of out politicians are a testament to that.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:34
There can’t be one because they are “private” remember? Still don’t see how you can issue South African colors for a sport officially and still be private but anyhow. There you have it.
You can only cast a vote of no confidence in a public company. You know which the MSSA keep on insisting they aren’t.
Wonder what it would take to prove in court that they are answerable to the public?
Unavengedavo
February 24, 2014 at 08:41
This whole story is just turning into a huge joke… If they are backed in a corner, then they threaten with legal action like a bunch of spoiled little rich kids. Fuck this, I say we start a separate entity to promote eSports and screw over the MSSA! Let the gamers lead the gamers!
A 2 Brute?
February 24, 2014 at 08:41
I’m GAME for that! Lets do it!
HvR
February 24, 2014 at 09:03
Clear it with DGL and petition Ministry of Sport and Recreation and SASCOC to swift the administration of eSports to them.
Their affiliation with Telkom might actually help them.
Michael Reed
February 24, 2014 at 14:48
The problem that will pop up again is the issue of quotas. That is the reason why the BF4 team isn’t under the SA flag but rather called the Southern Barbarians. We have a team of the best BF4 players in SA but because there is no quota involved they do not comply with the rules set out by SASCOC.
Quotas can work in a sport where all you need is natural talent but eSports requires talent and money… and its that last factor that will keep eSports as an activity of the middle and upper classes.
Gobz
February 24, 2014 at 08:46
Even if they wouldn’t hand over eSports to another organisation, at least they could say fine, our eSports members can split off on the side and go and have their own board and constitution, and maybe start doing things properly, because I’m sure there must be some competent people there considering some of the people who have been members in the past.
Wishful thinking, I know I know.
I just don’t understand how they can hang on to this private organisation thing and therefore block any kind of transparency when there are quotes from Colin saying that some of their funding comes from government grants and they’re presiding over public events and acting in an official capacity when giving out colours etc. There’s some shaky, kind of illogical law there if that’s legit.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 08:47
GG on Friday night 😀
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:48
Yeah, that was a lot of fun.
Gobz
February 24, 2014 at 08:50
Yeah, totally had a good time, thanks so much guys
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:31
Loadout rocked man!
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 09:36
The admiral felt the power of my (cannon) balls! 😀
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:37
Only once or twice, which I returned in favour with my CLUSTER TESLA ROCKET.
We should jam a quick one EVERY day
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 09:40
😀 We should. That’s one of the things I like about it, each game only lasts for a few minutes. No competitive annihilation next time though lol
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:45
Janee bliksem, that was not fun, we got PWNEDZORS in that one, I still feel the burn.
Plus, we can then get better guns!
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 09:48
I dunno how that one guy was one shot killing & moving so fast.
I finally got enough XP to upgrade 5 components over the weekend 😀 Got a level 6 slug pulse rifle. BOOM!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:52
Yeah I stole his gun after I killed him a few times, crazy upgraded gun, one shot takes about 80% health
Gobz
February 24, 2014 at 09:56
Less talk, moar play!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:58
Aye, up for a game tonight?
Gobz
February 24, 2014 at 10:07
Of course, anyone who doesn’t show will get a twerk from nekkid Helga. I’ll pay the money to make it happen.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 10:09
Bwahahahahahaha, also O_O
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 10:05
I was playing a random game with some people on saturday…Pretty fun, dat hammer is super fun though. Tricked out a rifle, and beam gun….wana play with ya’ll though 🙁
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 10:07
Yeah the game’s match making sucks. It also should allow some form of closed play where you can create a lobby of 10 ppl but those peeps need passwords to get in. So that you can have private games.
Things like that. If they can get that sorted it would be awesome
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 10:08
Ya I was looking for that. All you could do was click fight and they pair you up. So how do you guys play together? or does the match making actually work
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 10:09
Only when doing a lobby it seems 🙁
Gobz
February 24, 2014 at 10:11
Make a party of four so at least four out of the eight players in a game can be people you want to play with 😉
They said private servers are something they’re looking into so *holding thumbs*
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 10:22
YAY!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 10:24
When you click fight you can create a party. You invite up to 4 friends.
Then when you as the person created the party click play then it dumps your entire party in to a match that has 5 slots available.
However once this is done it still has a tendency to leave 1 person behind and then split your party in to opposing teams once the match starts
Gobz
February 24, 2014 at 10:31
Oh they say that’s to make sure that you and your friends can’t pubstomp :/
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 10:37
well that both sucks and makes sense at the same time
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 10:55
Eish damn…Okay, well it’s not so bad I guess…It’s a good game, but with better lobbying and matchmaking it could be even better
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 10:16
I think something’s changed in the matchmaking. Over this weekend I twice ended up in random games where I ended up with kill/death ratios of over 3, while my overall avg is 1. I’m not that great, those guys were just really bad.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:41
That’s what we all wish she said ;P
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:44
No, we wish she said THRICE DAILY
Ottokie
February 24, 2014 at 10:08
Missed it because I got a callout at 6 on a stupid idiot who does not know how business hours work… 🙁
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 10:10
Missed it too due toe EFFING ESKOM deciding to drop the power for 12hrs
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
February 24, 2014 at 08:51
I still say that in the end we don’t have to work with them at all. I would avoid them altogether and just play under a clan name.
I even left a proper comment below what he said and it got moderated out. Pathetic really.
Kensei Seraph
February 24, 2014 at 08:51
Would anything happen if there was a petition submitted to the government to request something being done about the MSSA?
A 2 Brute?
February 24, 2014 at 08:52
This whole MSSA debacle highlights several concerns I have:
1. Transparency – as a public organization, the MSSA should display full transparency in all their dealings for the promotion of E-sports and other mind games. This is however not happening as we have seen with the recent news.
2. Communication – the MSSA should promote a free and easy to use system of communication with its members and the general public. However, they seem very difficult, near impossible to get hold of and they only seem willing to answer select questions. And for a complaint, please insert R500 to continue…..
3. Size of the organization? How big are they, what does their organizational structure in its entirety look like? Why do they not answer a basic question like this that was put forward in the blog linked above?
4. Public representation – as a public organization, why is it so difficult for the now current president to make an appearance at any MSSA sanctioned event?
5. Planning – looking at the blog again, why is there an organization such as this anyway if it appears that they are incapable of making even the simplest of events worth going to?
There are many more questions, but I think all of us are already asking them.
hairyknees
February 24, 2014 at 09:01
Isn’t there a building or something that gamers can toyi-toyi in front of?
Charl van der Merwe
February 24, 2014 at 09:05
This organisation has ANC incompetence and self entitlement written ALL OVER it.
The Chairman is most likely chosen through nepotism the saw a good opportunity to get some extra money from the government and getting paid a good amount for him doing fuckall, just like many other facets of the ANC.
We need to start making movements towards entirely circumventing this pathetic organisation to ensure our BEST players take part on the international scene. Because with these jokers, South African eSports will be dead in the water.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:06
Excuse me? You provide national colors, are affiliated with Sascoc as the only means of getting said colors out to the public, are the ones that try to force players not to use the words “South Africa” or the flag when they enter competitions and you claim to be private?
I’m sorry but where do private organisations get the right to do this? Where do private organisations get the right to dictate the sports scene and still get off telling people to take a hike when they ask questions and raise worries?
Let’s take one of South Africa’s largest sports. Rugby. They (The various official clubs and unions) allow public input without demanding fees or that you be a member because it is in their best interest to keep the public happy as they represent the public and are they are the ones who can give provincial colors etc to a player. They know that if the public goes against them they will fail and someone else will take their place. Why would they do this and the MSSA refuses to take queries from anyone who is not a member? What makes the MSSA so special?
If you are indeed private then please relinquish your official status with Sascoc as we would prefer an institution that takes the sport as a whole seriously and is willing to work with the very players who want to make esports happen. Why must I be a member of the MSSA? Why are their no alternatives? Rugby unions have multiple official clubs that are allowed to make inquiries on behalf of players and the community to SARU without having to pay money.
Why is the MSSA the only official one? Why can we not have another? Why is the MSSA keeping such a monopoly on the official gaming scene and then making it near impossible for anyone to do anything unless they pay membership fees to the very organisation they are unhappy with?
lastly… How dare you tell us to raise concerns through the right channels when YOU YOURSELF said you will gladly answer questions put forward by the community which is why people ASKED IN THE FIRST PLACE!? You said we must ask and that you will answer. You said you want to work with the community! You made a promise that you have now broken!
You have not only just proven that your word means nothing, but that you can’t be counted on to follow through and that you pass the buck back to Colin Webster anyway.
So I guess that all the news that you are simply a puppet of Colin Webster is correct.
You sir have simply shown that you are not fit to run this organisation as by your own words you are simply too busy.
Give the reigns to someone who isn’t too busy who can dedicate more time to this venture to ensure that esports gets the attention and time it needs to grow as an official sport.
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 09:08
Anyway, in the other news 🙂
Kalahari got a nice 30% discount sale on new games.
Got Thief for R349 pre-order for PC …
booyeahWHoohahaha
Compos Mentis
February 24, 2014 at 09:10
Yeah, I’m not a gamer, but when reading his reply…. all I can say, he was appointed as a puppet with the GC still in charge… LMAO… it is so obvious. Anyway, dissolve the organisation, withhold your membership fees. Yes, maybe for a season you won’t be able to participate in national colours, but if you feel strongly about the issue, then you all must buy in.
Mark Treloar
February 24, 2014 at 09:23
Problem is that they represent more than just E sports. So yeah you can withhold funding hey they will still go on with other activities which may not be suffering from similar issues
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 09:12
What I do not understand is:
“..As sponsors, you guys have the influence necessary to actually help the MSSA start acting in a manner that would benefit the eSports community. As much as we’d like to see eSports handed over to someone competent like the DGL, we know that won’t happen anytime soon…”
DGL is doing a great job with Rage and online competitions. They will do a 100x better job than MSSA.
Corruption and politics is everywhere, even in competitive gaming.
Spathi
February 24, 2014 at 09:13
What a fucking joke. Simphiwe, you are a fucking joke. GTFO.
Edit: Mweb, I will not be supporting you anymore. Afrihost FTW.
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 09:25
They are really bad now with their internet. I have crap slow youtube streams, they charge me the same price as the afrihost 10MB and I have 4MB.
I guess it is a good time to move to someone that is more reliable.
Kromas
February 24, 2014 at 09:15
We need to shut down the MSSA before they do any more harm to a sport that is growing at an amazing pace!
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 09:17
Been happening to our Rugby, Cricket and any other sport in this awesome country. Corruption and BS
This is not new but we never really cared because it never affected us gamers until now
Kromas
February 24, 2014 at 09:19
Yeah not so much with rugby these days. And when I mean rugby I mean the Sharks. They are awesome and under Johnny boy’s management are rocking!
GO SHARKS!!!
Also nice game Lions.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:22
SHAAAAAAAAAAAAARKS
Willem Swanepoel
February 24, 2014 at 09:23
hahaha
You know everytime the sharks peaked so early in the season they failed on the end 😉
Hopefully they can pull through this year
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:24
Well to be fair, last year they had major injuries, basically A and B team out 😛
Kromas
February 24, 2014 at 09:26
They are in a rather good form this year. I know they will take it all the way!
Ultimo_Cleric N7
February 24, 2014 at 09:27
Why has nobody sent an email to the IeSF containing all of this rubbish?
Brady miaau
February 24, 2014 at 09:27
Hi.
Answer these questions please:
How do I join the MSSA? How much does it cost? What benefits are there for me are in joining? where can I read the rules? What sort of local competition will there be?
I am being serious. If I, a fairly internet savy person, cannot find answers to these questions from OFFICIAL sources, then the organisation is in trouble. It is that simple.
Yes, at times I believe LG has gone too far in some of the reporting (that is my opinion, note) but I now have a far deeper understanding of the passion and “quick to anger” responses of the gaming community. This is causing much frustration,
Note I have no interest in eSports per se, but I know may others that do and it should grow properly, in a structured manner.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 09:30
He won’t answer those questions because you’re not an MSSA member. Funny how that works?
Brady miaau
February 24, 2014 at 09:31
Yes, yes! 🙂
but some people must know? Do you happen to be at mall X, see them, brush the wife off (couch time!) and play a few games of Tekken and sign up?
HvR
February 24, 2014 at 09:37
It seems to mostly done via Facebook wall posts and messaging.
Brady miaau
February 24, 2014 at 09:51
So, Exclusive rather than Inclusive then?
Weanerdog
February 24, 2014 at 10:17
From what I can see is that you don’t join the MSSA, you join a club that is affiliated to the MSSA. The clubs are the members of the MSSA. The real question is how to register a club with the MSSA. Remember these guys are coming from small gaming community where the only place to play competitively is probably the “local” club. From what I have seen and heard they are actually not at this time in any position to run eSports.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:27
I must say that action will be taken against such comments. BWAHAHAHA! What are you going to do you fake president?
Nick Wilkins
February 24, 2014 at 09:28
Honestly cant say i expected more from the MSSA…. the response doesn’t come as a shocker..
As we the community pointed out, the MSSA is a private organization, fielding a public office to us the community for the following: Board games, Card Games, eSports, Robotics, and Wargames.
Surely they were awarded this privilege by some or other Government department or regulatory office?
Who is this office and how do we get in touch with this organization to lodge a formal complaint?
Does anyone know
Brady miaau
February 24, 2014 at 09:30
do they still do Wargames? Some of my old drinking buddies, who play Warhammer 40K (SA Champs, that sort of thing), many, many years ago pulled out of the “national” organisation
HvR
February 24, 2014 at 09:35
SASCOC
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:39
Heh, COC
Rags
February 24, 2014 at 09:36
My sentiments too. gg no re.
Quentin Huggett
February 24, 2014 at 09:36
We need to pressure Mweb. Support my post here. https://www.facebook.com/MWEB?fref=ts
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:39
You know it sounds harsh but what people have done in the past is boycott the sponsors. That would wake up many people…
Unavengedavo
February 24, 2014 at 09:44
Well from the looks of it, it seems as though MWEB have taken notice. But the question is, are they only going to deal out a slap to the wrist, or take serious action against them?…
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:46
Oh good. Because I would hate to boycott them.
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 09:48
Same here…..not just because I would like to support them but man it would be a hassle
Unavengedavo
February 24, 2014 at 09:54
Why boycott? We are in an age of social media, just make it more publically available that they support/sponsor a corrupt organisation and they will see that their name is being dragged through the mud because of this. So go out and share the comments, articles and posts to everyone you know(and cc in MWEB for good measure)
Rags
February 24, 2014 at 09:50
It is a shame because Desmond Kurz and by extension MWEB is one of the best things that ever happened to the SA gaming community. 🙁
https://twitter.com/bosbvok
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 09:52
True, they really do their best to help the community by setting up servers and constantly asking for feedback. They are really really awesome. They deserve MUUUUUCH better
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 09:56
Dude, I read some of Desmond’s responses and immediately thought “hey this guy sounds perfect for the position of MSSA president”
He knows how to talk to the public, he seems to carefully consider each and every word and seems really genuine about eSports
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:58
Indeed, seems like a good guy!
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
February 24, 2014 at 10:03
I agree with you. I think Desmond Kurz has an actual want, and a genuine passion to make gaming and eSports better in SA. Pity they’re backing an institute that’s doing the exact opposite of that.
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 09:46
@Admiral_Chief:disqus … You got a mention. You made it! You’re famous now….
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:48
I didn’t. My day is ruined 🙁
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 24, 2014 at 09:49
HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH.
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 09:49
Don’t worry, once he replies again in a year you’ll get your mention
RinceandLeSIGH
February 24, 2014 at 09:49
I wait with bated breath!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 09:57
[CORRECTION] *more famous
XD
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 09:59
LOLZ….I bet you must so satisfied by that response. That was definitely what you were looking for *rolls eyes, sarcasm*…Sigh, this guy is just…is just….arrrgh. so angry I can’t even think of an insult!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 10:03
Aye, these guys need to be hit multiple times with a bigass CLUEBAT so that they can get a CLUE
Umar Reborn
February 24, 2014 at 09:51
I read this late at night and honestly couldn’t sleep properly. Was so upset that this person is the leader for eSports. Such arrogance makes me want to puke. To you Simphiwe, I say, goodluck, you’re gonna need, for the storm is brewing and it’s heading straight to you
Gideon Venter
February 24, 2014 at 09:54
In regards to: “In terms of the question about previously disadvantaged individuals, yes they do not have to pay but it is not based on colour but on the individual circumstances faced.”
When is someone previously disadvantaged? Also, what does that matter? If I was previously unable to afford a sportscar, but can now afford a sportscar, does that mean I do not have to pay for said sportscar, seeing as I couldn’t, earlier?
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 10:02
They made a mistake by saying previously disadvantaged.
If it was me I would have had a “help out program” or some such thing where applicants can request membership for free and their application gets reviewed and if found that the person is genuine about becoming a member and can’t afford to, then they pretty much get “sponsored” by the club themselves to become members for free up to a given point where they can then pay for it.
naturally there would be requirements. Active involvement in some way by being a regular competitor and such things.
I wouldn’t have called it previously disadvantaged because it’s playing on a serious issue that runs in our country.
it’s just another example of a good idea that has been tainted by incorrect representation to the community.
Gideon Venter
February 24, 2014 at 10:08
That would have been much better, and something that people could support and understand.
It does not seem like this is the case, though. I would like to know how they decide on who gets free sponsorship.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 24, 2014 at 10:10
MSSA sounds like a certain person who celebrated his 90th birthday recently
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 10:22
Yeah I’d also like to know. But for that info you have to join the organisation first….
PS: We still need to organise that drink at some stage
Gideon Venter
February 24, 2014 at 10:30
Alcohol sounds good.
Weanerdog
February 24, 2014 at 10:01
Only way forward is to petition Sascoc/sports ministry and request that they step in and sort out this shit.
Double-O-Six and a half
February 24, 2014 at 10:52
Here’s a suggestion…
I will front the 500 buckzillas for Gavin (or any other one interested person to represent LG and the gamers on this site) to officially join the MSSA. This as has been alluded to by the current MSSA president gives him membership status and the right under what I assume would be the MSSA constitution to participate, ask questions and as a “shareholder” demand answers. I would also assume that the only barrier to entry in terms of their constitution if aligned with SASCOC is the payment of the nominal fee and the registration. They would probably not have the “right of refusal” to prevent anyone from becoming a member. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that they will effectively be able to prevent anyone from speaking out.
This person then can from “within” the organisation take the concerns that the gaming public have and get answers. I for one would like to see the constitution and rules of the association, I do not have a facebook account by choice and hence would be most interested to see this for myself through some other means.
Lastly as a caution: I was a little disappointed by LG’s exposure of Colin’s personal court issues relating to his late mother’s will; while these may be a matter of public record, you need to attack him on the merits of what he is doing to eSports and not resort to this. You’re better than this and this exposure just smacks of gutter journalism, which I know wasn’t the intent, but that’s what it comes across as…
By all means lets stick together to get the rot facing eSports and gaming out the way but lets do it in a fashion that leaves us with the moral high ground…
Now if anybody wants to take advantage of the offer above, let me know and we can try to sort something out…
Brady miaau
February 24, 2014 at 11:31
“Lastly as a caution: I was a little disappointed by LG’s exposure of Colin’s personal court issues relating to his late mother’s will; while these may be a matter of public record, you need to attack him on the merits of what he is doing to eSports and not resort to this. You’re better than this and this exposure just smacks of gutter journalism, which I know wasn’t the intent, but that’s what it comes across as…” yes
Verrayne
February 24, 2014 at 17:44
It goes to character, if you are involved in a case that actually got as far as court for fraud and you are the general secretary a position which you invented you have to take a serious look at the individual.
Double-O-Six and a half
February 25, 2014 at 08:42
Nowhere does the court documents mention fraud. Fraud is a criminal matter and is charged as such by the Police and NPA. This is a civil matter i.e. one individual suing another regarding a dispute under civil law. While it may be distasteful and calls into question the individuals character, it is not a criminal event. Furthermore everyone is entitled to a defence under the law and without knowing the circumstances you can put any slant on it you like.
This may all be legit and above board, for example the mother on her death bed may have decided to disown the distant son who lives in London and change her will, or it may be that the lawyer cooked up a scheme to get rich at the expense of the family, or it may well be that Colin is complicit in this… the point is journalists have a responsbility to their reading public (you and I) to not resort to gutter journalism and stick to the facts and issues at hand.
Is he screwing up eSports in SA? Undoubtedly!
Is he using MSSA as his personal playground? Undeniably!
Has he introduced a constitution or set of rules for MSSA which is not transparent, open and democratic? Undeniably!
Is he actually still pulling the strings behind the scenes? Possibly?
So challenge him on all the issues relating to his abuse of public office and his dictatorship of MSSA and leave the tabloid journalism to the gutter where it belongs… /end rant!
Sageville
February 24, 2014 at 11:00
Ag really?
How very disappointing, if that “interview” was a push from Mweb to alleviate the community’s concerns around the horse they(Mweb) have backed, then I’m afraid they have done just the opposite.
I now I’m even more concerned that the current President is simply fronting for Colin Webster and if that’s happens to not be the case, then we are still left with a very inadequate response, which I translated to “We would prefer to not answer your questions by instead pointing you to the Fuck-You-Door-of-Greater-Bureacratic-Red-Tape, alternately you can take the STFU-or-we’ll-sue-you explanation”.
All this from a body that admits they don’t really have the time to fulfill their mandate.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 11:04
Concerned that it is Colin Webster in the background?
Dude, if his post was genuinely him then he openly admitted that Colin is the guy everyone should be dealing with:
Quote from his post: “Lastly, you are to speak to Mr Colin Webster because he is the general secretary (GS). During his reign he did not have a GS and that is why you dealt with him directly, things have changed.”
Pretty much saying before all this it was Colin. Now since new administration it’s till Colin who needs to deal with all this.
Sageville
February 24, 2014 at 11:20
Then I’m completely baffled as to why Puppet Maphumulo even bothered to take an interview about issues he’s not even meant to deal with. Perhaps the Mweb Interviewer didn’t interview the correct person.
Norm
February 24, 2014 at 15:18
I have a feeling you hit the nail on the head.
Norm
February 24, 2014 at 15:18
I thought Colin was meant to have left the MSSA.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 24, 2014 at 15:44
So did I. Turns out he is the General Secretary. I am as confused as you are
loftie
February 24, 2014 at 11:27
fack the mssa, how do we disband them so that they have no say on SA’s Esports. I am no business fundi, but surely such an organisation should be public?
Ascobel
February 24, 2014 at 11:46
We have to face the facts. The MSSA will do as they please as they have no one to answer to. They
form part of the flawed amateur system of sports administration we have in South Africa. There is no easy way of changing this. Sure there are grounds to start an association but before anyone can attempt this most parties need to be in agreement on a basic rule set or guidelines that need to be followed. If you want to be inclusive of everyone this will take AGES to finalize. It will be worthwhile in the end. It’s just going to need the right people to get it started. I for one don’t have the resources to get this started but I’m sure that if we all give a little time/money to try and make this work, it will. I volunteer my time. Between SWTOR, Diablo 3 and The Last Remnant.
Ottokie
February 24, 2014 at 13:08
And this right here is why I support the DGL. They are much more professional at handing gaming competitions. Only have one thing to say for the MSSA (even in your own words Mr. Maphumulo) “TAKE A HIKE”!
Michael Reed
February 24, 2014 at 14:30
WOW. I am shocked. That reply from Mr. Maphumulo comes off as arrogant and makes me worried for MSSA and eSports. His apparent belief that he reports to no one and only the members can logged any complaints is staggering. Unfortunately the only way to beat him would be for gamers to all join MSSA and then vote in a gamer at the next AGM, someone who is not so arrogant.
And if you want to see who just doesn’t understand PR… look at the people who threaten you with lawyers (or send the lawyers after you) whenever you confront them with the truth.
Really MSSA??
February 24, 2014 at 14:44
MSSA( Monumentally Stupid Spoilt A$$H@les) They have no idea what they are doing nor does the President of the organisation realize that they cannot be private as they are appointed by government as the body to oversee e-sports and so forth. They should be transparent to a degree with regards to selections and general running of the organisation.
Secondly is it not the Presidents job to be involved and ensure that all questions(relevant of course) are answered by the public as we have the right to know? What this fool has stated is that he is too busy to do his job? How did he even get elected? To me it seems he has no idea what his job description is. Pathetic really. This is exactly why we fail when we compete because there is too much politics involved and they send the wrong people over.
Verrayne
February 24, 2014 at 16:24
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Sassoc_Disband_the_Mind_Sports_South_Africa_Association/?copy
Share it with as many people as you possibly can. Also use the following hashtag for twitter:
#DisbandMSSA
Stan Smith
February 24, 2014 at 20:59
Pathetic response to say the least.
BEEMERSTEIN
February 25, 2014 at 13:01
Gavin. I cannot agree with DGL comment. What I have previously experience they are unorganized as well as getting feedback on a query takes forever. No positive commitment.