'Concerned athletes and administrators' call for heads to roll as ASA condemns 'unsanctioned' press conference

The leadership of Athletics South Africa (ASA) has come under pressure after a group calling itself 'concerned athletes and administrators' issued an ultimatum for the entire board to step down within seven days. The call for the mass resignations follows allegations of financial mismanagement and growing concerns over the misuse of organisational funds – a situation that has sparked outrage among some stakeholders across the country. In a media briefing held at Garden Court in Milpark on July 28, the group, which includes former ASA board member Dorah Mgwevu, former top runner Keneilwe Sesing and Ernest Moikangoe detailed their demands and called for President James Moloi and his board to resign within seven days.

"We, the concerned stakeholders, administrators, civil society organisations and citizens of South Africa, demand the immediate resignation of the ASA leadership, including the CEO and the entire board of directors," said Moikangoe. They explained that this follows the recent allegations that Moloi had allegedly used ASA funds to cover personal expenses and buy alcohol at taverns, which were revealed during an oversight hearing by Parliament's portfolio committee on Sports, Arts and Culture last month.

Members of the Concerned athletes and administrators group, Keneilwe Sesing, Ernest Moikangoe and Dorah Mgwevu. Photo Credit: Lebohang Pita.

"The findings presented in parliament are a national embarrassment and betrayal of public trust. They paint a picture of an organisation in complete disarray where corruption, neglect of athletes and gross abuse of funds have become institutionalised. We can no longer tolerate a leadership that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the integrity of sport in South Africa."

Among some of their demands are the appointment of an interim committee and the launch of a full forensic investigation into ASA financial activities from 2020 to 2025 by the Special Investigating Unit. "Our sport is not a fiefdom for thieves and opportunists. ASA is meant to serve athletes – not to fund parties, tavern and corrupt deals," Moikangoe said.

Moikangoe said should the ASA board fail to resign within seven days, they will stage a protest at ASA headquarters and petition World Athletics to suspend the federation until their demands are met. Mgwevu urged Moloi to step aside to allow the investigation by SASCOC to determine the extent of financial irregularities and whether ASA funds were misused, to unfold without his interference.

Moloi in the firing line after the Parliament's portfolio committee on Sports, Arts and Culture revealed that he had used the ASA Credit Card assigned to him to buy liquor at various taverns. Photo Credit: supplied.

"The president must step aside. We are aware that there's an ongoing investigation. How do we have this investigation when the accused person still has access to information and witnesses? Are we going to have a fair investigation? We appeal to Moloi to step aside and allow this investigation to take place in a fair manner," said Mngwevu who drove former ASA President Aleck Skhosana's failed campaign to be reelected to the ASA presidency at the ASA Elections in May.

In a statement, ASA condemned the press briefing, saying it's reviewing the matters raised in Parliament. "ASA is currently reviewing the recent matters raised in parliament and has pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation by SASCOC. We are committed to transparency and accountability. We will work closely with SASCOC to address any concerns."