Gerald Majola (top) and Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka

Calcutta: It’s to be seen whether Graeme Smith achieves his goal in the World Cup, beginning next Saturday, but Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola has realised his: Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka, the president, has been removed.

In an all-Black power struggle, Majola has prevailed and his hold over the CSA now is, perhaps, stronger even than Dr Ali Bacher’s in the 1990s.

An ENT specialist, Dr Nyoka had contemplated stepping down, last month, but eventually decided against doing so as it would send the wrong signal.

Differences between Dr Nyoka and Majola (incidentally, hand-picked by Dr Bacher a decade ago) came to a head last August over the issue of bonuses relating to the second edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), in April-May 2009, and the Champions Trophy that same year.

Majola, it’s gathered, signed a contract with the IPL which guaranteed him a hefty bonus. That was in violation of norms, as the bonuses are supposed to be determined exclusively by the Remunerations Committee of CSA.

Dr Nyoka initiated an independent inquiry, but Majola got it scuttled. Instead, then, an internal probe was ordered.

For the sake of transparency, at least, the inquiry ought to have been an external one.

Significantly, Dr Nyoka stayed away from Saturday’s SGM of the Members’ Forum of CSA.

“Dr Nyoka wasn’t notified about the SGM and, so, didn’t have a copy of the agenda… He knew what was coming, though, and is at peace with himself… He knows he has stood up for integrity and accountability,” a well-placed source told The Telegraph from Johannesburg.

The source added: “Dr Nyoka hasn’t indicated that he intends moving court, but a fundamental right of his has been violated… He didn’t get the chance to defend himself…”

Dr Nyoka’s removal wasn’t unanimous. Indeed, a CSA press release said: “The majority of the Members’ Forum proposed a motion of no-confidence in the president continuing in his portfolio…

“Accordingly, with immediate effect, the position of Dr M.Nyoka, as president of Cricket South Africa, is terminated forthwith.”

That Dr Nyoka could be voted out was reported in these columns as early as January 19.

Eight of the 11 provincial heads, one learns, went along with Majola. Earlier, word was that all 11 wanted Dr Nyoka, president from 2008, to go.

A.K. Khan, vice-president, is going to be the acting president till the CSA’s AGM, in August.

Khan is known to be close to Majola and headed the internal probe.