'I'm aiming to do more' - Moloi wins ASA Election as Mathane & Molotsane join board

James Moloi retained his position as Athletics South Africa (ASA) President after being voted as the best candidate to lead the country's athletics mother body for the next four years. In an elections which took place at the OR Tambo Garden Court Hotel Yesterday (Saturday 31 May), Moloi managed to beat former President Aleck Skhosana who had been eyeing a comeback to the hot seat after leading ASA between 2014 and 2021. It was the second time Moloi got the upper hand over Skhosana after defeating him in the last elections held in May 2021.

"I would like to thank the ASA council for the support it has shown in me," he told #TheTopRunner moments after the start of his second term as president. "It shows that we are doing a great job. I'm aiming to do more to uplift the level of the athletics and even to bring more events especially those with World Athletics Gold Label status. When we meet with the board, the number one priority is to make sure that we start looking and try to appoint a permanent CEO. Someone who can come in and stabilize the federation."

"Unfortunately, my heart is sore, some of these people were on the list and had an opportunity to come and cast the vote," he added, referring to the infighting within the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) and Athletics Free State (AFS) Boards that saw them withdraw their entire list of nominees on the eve of the hotly contested election. "We will make it a point these things don't happen anymore. We will try by all means to stabilize all the provinces."

Barely a month after reclaiming the Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) presidency following defeat to Hendrick Mokganyetsi in 2021, John Mathane was elected as the new vice president to take over from Shireen Noble. Mathane, who previously lead AGN from 2017 to 2021, also highlighted the need for ASA to appoint a permanent CEO. 

"As the deputy president, I have emphasized that I have to deal with the issue of the administration. We need to make sure that we appoint a CEO. Secondly, make sure the finances of the federation are always in balance. Thirdly, we need to understand the staff, what is happening in the office. The Deputy president needs to work hand in hand with the staff to understand the dynamics and challenges," he explained.

Also new to the ASA Board is 2017 SPAR Grand Prix winner Kesa Molotsane who has been tasked with the responsibility of chairing the Athletes Commission ahead of Hendrick Mokganyetsi. As an administrator at the University of the Free State and a leader of the University Sports South Africa athletics team, the 33-year-old is the youngest member of the board. She believes that this gives her the advantage of understanding the needs of an athlete body the majority of whom are under 30 years old.

"I'm humbled by this opportunity. I’m grateful that a lot of people have shown their support. I’m still running. I’m still active. It’s a great opportunity for me to offer myself to the athletes and make sure that their needs are met. Although there has been a lot of positive change over the last four years, I have found that athletes do not have proper channels to raise their concerns, so we don't get to formally document and collect their comments. It's as easy as putting a suggestion box at every single championship event for athletes to raise their concerns and their positive acknowledgements."

The other commission heads voted in were Jean Verster (Track & Field), Jake Jacobs (Cross Country) and Enoch Skosana (Road Running), all of whom return to the board after leading those disciplines between 2021 and 2025. The newly elected ASA Board is as follows:

President:

James Moloi

Deputy President:

John Mathane

Commission Chairpersons:

Track and Field - Jean Verster

Road Running - Enoch Skosana

Cross - Country - Jakes Jacobs

Athletes Commission - Kesaoleboga Molotsane

Additional Board Members:

1. Esther Malema

2. Johanita Bester

3. Mike Masepe

4. Seipati Adelina Ranthimo