'A person to assist in an oversight role until the next election' - CGA engaging ASA on way forward after dissolution of board

Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) has turned to Athletics South Africa (ASA) for guidance and support to secure stability within the federation, following the dissolution of the board at a special general meeting (SGM) on Saturday August 23. ASA is being asked to assist by seconding an experienced individual to provide oversight and ensure smooth operations until the next election in early 2026. 

"We are currently engaging ASA as per the resolution of Council on guidance and assisting with seconding a person to assist in an oversight role till the next election. The elections are scheduled for next year in March," CGA general manager Mandla Radebe told #TheTopRunner. 

The CGA Board has been dissolved. Photo Credit: CGA Media.

The CGA board was given a vote of no confidence by clubs last month after a report was tabled in a council meeting in May which found that the board was dysfunctional, with clear divisions among members. The report led to around 33 clubs voting in favour of its dissolution. Responding to how the federation is going to function during this transitional period, Radebe explained that the operational functions of the organisation have always been with his office, with the board playing an oversight role.

"The office led by the General Manager will work with various commissions led by deputy commission chairpersons to ensure that all programmes of CGA continue. The implementation has always being on the level of the office and the various commissions. This will continue as normal because policies of CGA and its structures are empowered by Council to continue with the work of the province.  Athletes, Coaches and clubs will not be affected by the dissolution of the board."

Radebe added that once the individual from ASA is appointed, the council will sit down and deliberate on whether there is a need for early elections or not. Meanwhile some have questioned the prudence of dissolving the entire board, CGA clubs insist that it is a painful but necessary measure to safeguard the federation in the long term.

CGA Council members say taking the decision to dissolve the dysfuntional board was a painful but necessary step. CGA Media.

"It was a difficult meeting," said one club member who was present at the Germiston Stadium. "It was sad seeing the board in front of us being told to vacate their portfolios. But they shot themselves in the foot for putting their personal needs and quarrels ahead of athletics and the empowerment of athletes," he said.

The council member added that the 2024 CGA financial statement wasn't adopted and have voted for an ad-hoc committee to investigate the federation’s finances.

"CGA hasn't received an unqualified audit since 2014. We believe that's wrong. We resolved to vote for an ad-hoc committee to check the finances of CGA. If it's revealed that there was a misuse of funds, we'll go for a forensic audit."