MBABANE – The South African government fully endorses the roadmap established by World Athletics and the Confederation of African Athletics (CAF) to overhaul governance at ASA.
In a letter dated October 19, 2026 to World Athletics Chief Executive Officer Jon Ridgeon, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie welcomed the strongly worded joint correspondence of October 15 that appointed Southern Africa Confederation of Athletics (SACA) Athletics Eswatini (AE) President Zakhele Dlamini as independent observer.
McKenzie states that restoring sound governance at Athletics South Africa (ASA) remains a priority for the South African government. He says he asked WA to be firm and to take the lead when he met their delegation in Budapest on September 13, 2026 and that the latest letter ‘does exactly that’.
The minister fully endorsed the roadmap, the governance principles required in a revised ASA constitution and the attached timeframes. He shared the assessment that ASA’s difficulties are structural rather than personal and will not be resolved simply by changing individuals.
McKenzie also supports WA’s expectation that ASA respect the findings of its independent disciplinary panel, chaired by retired Judge Basheer Waglay and implement the panel’s decision of October 6 without delay. That panel unanimously found ASA President James Moloi guilty on two charges of misuse of funds and recommended his removal as president and executive board member.
While stressing that the adoption of a new constitution rests with ASA’s Council and that the autonomy of sports federations must be respected, McKenzie outlined how the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will support the process:
- Full cooperation with Dlamini in his role as independent observer, including making senior officials available as required.
- Expectation that ASA’s progress against the roadmap will be reflected in its reporting to the department, informing ongoing oversight of public funds.
- Facilitation of engagement with provincial sport authorities where structural alignment is needed.
- Close work with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee to ensure system-wide support.
“Like World Athletics, my overriding concern is for South African athletes,” McKenzie wrote. “They have consistently represented our country with distinction, and they should not bear the cost of failures of administration.”
He shared WA’s clear preference for reform over sanctions and pledged to do what is within his power to help ASA meet its obligations within the prescribed six-month period.
The minister asked to be kept informed of progress, including the detailed timetable ASA must submit within one month and requested early warning of any obstruction. He also asked for the opportunity to align communications should global athletics mother body decide to make its position public.
Dlamini’s mandate as independent observer continues until the new ASA constitution is ratified and fresh elections are held under the revised framework.
