Although former acting President, Barry Hendricks has been elected as South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President, which is expected to end a the imbroglio that has engulfed organisation.
But it seems the fire has not been finally douse. The officials, dubbed the “SASCOC Five”, which lodged a claim last month did attended the meeting, which was held in a hybrid format featuring both in-person and online attendance. And none of the SASCOC Five earned places on the Board.
SASCOC has seen a leadership battle this year, following Gideon Sam standing down as President in 2019 when he reached the age limit of 70.
SASCOC had initially been due to hold its Presidential election on March 28, before the Annual General Meeting was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The process has since been subject to a series of disputes, including a claim that, when Acting President, Hendricks had blocked the candidacy of rivals prior to the election
Hendricks denied the allegation but was placed on “special leave” in April amid an investigation.
A virtual Special General Meeting (SGM) was held in September, which saw disciplinary action ended against Hendricks, enabling him to stand in the election.
The decision to clear Hendricks saw the official installed as favourite to win the election.
According to South African newspaper The Citizen, Hendricks received 81 of 159 votes cast in the election.
Swimming South Africa President Alan Fritz finished as the runner-up with 58 votes, while Athletics South Africa President Aleck Skhosana was third with 15.
Swimming South Africa President Alan Fritz finished as the runner-up with 58 votes, while Athletics South Africa President Aleck Skhosana was third with 15.
Skhosana was reportedly one of five SASCOC officials who opposed the motion to clear Hendricks in September, along with Kobus Marais, Cecilia Molokwane, Jerry Segwaba and Kaya Majeke.
Majeke finished fourth in the election with five votes.
Ramsamy had been appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to oversee the election process.
The IOC wrote to SASCOC last month for members to support the elections.
South Africa’s Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa participated in the meeting virtually.
According to Dispatch Live, the politician dismissed allegations the election would not be “free and fair”.
Mthethwa said he had been approached by people seeking to postpone the election, but would not take sides.
Lwandile Simelane and Debbie Alexander were confirmed as first and second vice-president respectively.
Fritz secured one of five places on the SASCOC Board, despite missing out on the Presidency.
The Board is completed by Qondisa Ngwenya, Kim Pople, Ilhaam Groenewald and Welhemina Grobbelaa.
The full Board will be completed in the coming weeks, with additional members set to be co-opted.
SASCOC will hope the election can end a period of uncertainty at the organisation, which has been plagued by disputes in recent years.
DiscernSport