Yes, they have heard before that the MSSA is an Association not for gain, that its affairs are run by officials elected by its member clubs, but what does that mean?

It means that through the MSSA, the community can take charge of competitive gaming and run it themselves.

All national federations in South Africa are run in very much the same way. Clubs are affiliated to the parent body.

So just like Lenasia Cricket Club is affiliated to the Gauteng Cricket Board which in turn is affiliated to the South African Cricket Council, computer clubs can affiliate to the MSSA.

What is important to note is that an Association not for gain is not owned by anybody. The people who are there are only there for their elected term.

Also, if you read the MSSA’s constitution, none of the elected office-bearers may take a salary – in other words, they are all volunteers.

Thus, if you are a passionate computer gamer, and a member of a club or a clan, you should join in order to make your voice heard.

But why does the gaming community need the MSSA?

It is simple. The MSSA although recognized by the government is not a government institution. In other words, it acts as a buffer between the state and the community – an organization that can fight for the rights of gamers as well as to allow gamers to benefit from the advantages of state recognition.

The fact that the MSSA exists means that the following can happen:

• International events can be held in South Africa,
• Gamers can go overseas to officially represent South Africa,
• To run provincial and national events,
• Teams can be awarded Protea Colours, and
• Gamers can access National Lottery Funding.

Having read many of the articles about the MSSA, I see that the organization has done much of the above. As early as 2005 gamers were awarded Protea Colours. From what I have read, the MSSA ran the first online league in South Africa through one of its member clubs. The MSSA brought SK Gaming to South Africa, and the MSSA claims that some of its members have received lottery funding.

So, as a scorecard, the above shows that the MSSA is doing quite well.

Of course the MSSA has made mistakes, but that is for the gamers to fix!

I see that all clubs get 1 vote for every five gamers. That’s great for clannies as most clans are only 5 gamers. If every clan joined as a club, think of the pressure that gamers could put on the committee.

For example, if all the COD 4 teams that played in the DoGaming league became MSSA affiliated, gamers’ clubs would swamp the existing clubs and gamers could get exactly what they want. Eish!

Assegai writes a blog in MyGaming’s new blog section, and we thought this particular piece was quite interesting. Follow more of Assegai’s blogs on MyGaming. Head on over to our blog section if you have something to important to say.