Cape Town, Jun 13: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has rejected allegations made in the national media that several senior members of staff "had effectively paid themselves bonuses".

“The correct facts are as follows. A meeting of Remco (the Human Resources and Remunerations Committee) was held on April 15, 2011,” commented CSA Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Naasei Appiah, Sports 24 reports.

He said: “The following items were discussed: It was agreed that in the current market conditions a general salary increase of seven percent should be awarded. It was also established that certain members of staff were being paid below the salary rates applicable to their positions.

“It was also agreed that bonuses should be performance driven. The chairperson of Remco, Thandeka Mgoduso, agreed with the decisions taken with the exception of one salary adjustment which was originally set at 10 percent but, after discussion with the CEO, was reduced to eight percent.”

“As far as the bonuses were concerned it was decided that senior staff should be rewarded for the most exceptional year in the history of Cricket South Africa in which there was the successful running of the Indian Tour, the inaugural match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the holding of the Champions League,” the CFO said.

As a result revenue was increased from R497-million to R727-million, which represented an exceptional increase of more than R230-million.

"In these circumstances the bonuses were well merited and were approved by the chairperson of Remco. All these facts have been well documented and the entire meeting has, in fact, been recorded on tape,” the CFO added. (ANI)