The Democratic Alliance (DA) requires calm, unity, and transparency in gentle of worrying developments at Athletics South Africa (ASA) forward of its scheduled elections on 31 Might 2025 at Backyard Court docket OR Tambo.
The formal request by ASA President, Mr James Moloi, for police presence on the elections raises severe crimson flags. Electoral processes inside sports activities federations ought to be peaceable, democratic workout routines, not occasions that require legislation enforcement to forestall unrest. The truth that such a request was deemed obligatory indicators a federation in disarray and teetering on the sting of chaos.
This deterioration is additional evidenced by authorized threats from license holders, the withdrawal of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) nominees, and stories of further provincial pullouts. The looming presence of the police at what ought to be an easy elective assembly is unprecedented and deeply shameful.
The DA calls on all ASA members and stakeholders to rise above factionalism and recommit to unity, transparency, and integrity. These elections should not be tainted by intimidation or interference. They have to be ruled by equity, the rule of legislation, and a shared dedication to the long-term wellbeing of South African athletics.
Sadly, this newest turmoil is just not an remoted incident. It displays a persistent sample of dysfunction, incessantly evident when ASA seems earlier than the Portfolio Committee in Parliament. Repeatedly, the federation has proven an incapacity to handle its governance, funds, and inside processes, selecting as a substitute to prioritise inside squabbles, usually on the taxpayer’s expense.
This persistent instability detracts from the achievements of our athletes, who proceed to excel regardless of the executive chaos. Simply this week, 19-year-old Bayanda Walaza broke his personal South African U20 100m document with a world-class 9.94-second dash in Zagreb. Moments like these ought to be celebrated nationally, not overshadowed by boardroom drama.
ASA should get its home so as. Our athletes deserve greater than mismanagement and infighting. They deserve a federation that displays the ideas of accountability, professionalism, and unity. Their expertise and dedication ought to be matched by management worthy of the South African flag they proudly symbolize.
