By Akani Nkuna
The Democratic Alliance has voiced serious concerns over the recent developments at the Athletics South Africa, calling for calm, unity and transparency within the embattled sporting body.
As tensions rise ahead of the federation’s upcoming elections on Saturday, the DA has emphasised the need for a fair and credible process, urging all stakeholders to act responsibly and uphold the integrity of athletics governance in South Africa.
“The DA calls on all ASA members and stakeholders to rise above factionalism and recommit to unity, transparency and integrity. These elections must not be tainted by intimidation or interference,” said DA spokesperson on sport, arts and culture Joe McGluva said on Monday.
“They must be governed by fairness, the rule of law and a shared commitment to the long-term wellbeing of South African athletics.”
This follows ASA president James Moloi requesting heighten police presence from the SA Police Service ahead of the federation’s elections on in Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni.
“We believe that your presence will help maintain order and promote a sense of safety throughout the duration of the event,” he wrote.
Earlier on Monday, SABC reported that Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), a key provincial affiliate, has withdrawn its entire nominations for the upcoming ASA elections.
The unexpected move has further sparked speculation over internal disputes or strategic scheming.
“The council reviewed the matter and decided the list must be withdrawn. They will not compile a new list and will retract the names already submitted. The nominations were never shared with the clubs, and the process was flawed because the clubs were excluded,” said CGA general manager Mandla Radebe.
McGluva highlighted the deepening crisis at the ASA, pointing to legal threats from licence holders, the withdrawal of CGA nominees, and reports of other provinces following suit.
He described the anticipated police presence at what should be a routine elective meeting, as unprecedented and national embarrassment.
“Sadly, this latest turmoil is not an isolated incident. It reflects a persistent pattern of dysfunction, frequently evident when ASA appears before the portfolio committee in Parliament,” he added.
McGluva said the ongoing instability within ASA overshadowed the accomplishments of athletes like 19-year-old Bayanda Walaza, who recently broke his own national U20 100m record in with a 9.94 seconds sprint in Zagreb, Croatia.
He said such achievements deserved national celebration and should not be eclipsed by administrative turmoil.
“Our athletes deserve more than mismanagement and infighting. They deserve a federation that reflects the principles of accountability, professionalism and unity,” McGluva said.
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