By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Netball South Africa (NSA) confirmed that World Netball, the international governing body, has instituted a disciplinary process involving the President of NSA, Cecillia Molokwane and placed her under precautionary suspension.
In accordance with the instructions received from World Netball, NSA has been directed not to interfere in this process.
In a statement, NSA said, “It acknowledges the public discourse currently circulating in media reports and on social media. We remain fully committed to upholding the principles and values of corporate governance, including accountability, transparency, institutional integrity, and the prioritisation of athlete welfare above all else.”
“World Netball has clarified that the investigation into the allegations is being conducted in accordance with its Disciplinary Regulations. It has confirmed that all actions taken thus far align with its published policies, including the jurisdiction outlined in Clause 4.1 of the World Netball Disciplinary Regulations.
“Additionally, World Netball emphasised that this is a procedural, rather than punitive step, intended solely to determine whether there is a case to answer, read the statement.”
NSA added that it respects all applicable governance frameworks and is fully cooperating with World Netball in the interest of due process and lawful resolution. The situation in which they find themselves is difficult for all concerned, however for the good of the sport, they must ensure that any allegations put to them are addressed with complete integrity and respect for the individuals involved.
“During a recent parliamentary session, questions were raised, including specific line-item expenditures from NSA’s past financial records. In keeping with Parliamentary House Rules, Netball South Africa’s leadership (CEO) requested time to consult the appropriate records to ensure the accuracy of our responses.
“It is not only within our rights, but also our responsibility to ensure that the information submitted to Parliament is factually correct and verifiable,” NSA said.
NSA leadership was unfairly pressured to respond immediately to detailed financial queries, specific to the 2023/24 Financial Year. Such expectations are inconsistent with standard Parliamentary practice and risk undermining the integrity of governance processes.
“In terms of the Parliamentary rules regarding oral questioning, NSA is within its rights. The manner in which these questions were posed raises serious concerns.
“Safeguarding is a fundamental policy in sport and must never be taken lightly. However, the interrogative approach directed at our leadership risks undermining the very principles this policy seeks to uphold.
“While they acknowledge that gender should not exempt anyone from accountability, it equally must not render them vulnerable to politically motivated targeting. The Portfolio Committee has seen 6 Federations (Boxing SA, SANABO, Basketball SA, Athletics SA, Swimming SA), but none of them has trending videos on social media platforms published by a Member of Parliament (MP) for public humiliation.
“Is this because NSA is a women led federation? We confirm that a detailed written response addressing all financial queries is currently being consolidated and will be submitted to Parliament in line with proper procedure.
“It is critical to clarify that the Netball World Cup 2023 was overseen by a separate and independent World Cup Board, registered under CIPC, with its own Directors, and funded by government amongst others, distinct from the current board and leadership of Netball South Africa – noting that the President of Netball South Africa and the former CEO were part of the 2023 NWC Board,” the federation said.
The concerns and financial reports around the 2023 Netball World Cup should be accounted for by the 2023 NWC Board and those two entities need to be separated.