ASA investigation completed
August 9th, 2010 | Published in Road Forward
South Africa’s Olympic sports governing body, SASCOC, has completed its investigation into the affairs of Athletics South Africa and the final report is expected on August 13 2010.
Following the forensic audit of Athletics South Africa by auditors Deloitte and subsequent draft report, disciplinary, criminal and civil charges are expected to be brought against individuals of the previous ASA board/staff.
The previous ASA board was suspended in November 2009, following the handling of the Caster Semenya affair during and after the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin last August.
Also in November, an interim board was appointed, under the guidance of SASCOC board member Ray Mali, and with the approval of the sport’s global body, the IAAF, to run the affairs of track and field in South Africa.
The forensic audit has uncovered poor corporate governance, the alleged misappropriation of funds and tax evasion at Athletics South Africa.
“The detailed forensic investigation by Deloitte has effectively been completed,” said SASCOC CEO Mr Tubby Reddy. “By August 13 the final report will be handed over and we expect to be able to hand matters over to the appropriate authorities for the consideration and issuing of summonses to currently suspended and ex-members of ASA in the week starting August 16.
“The SASCOC board has met with all necessary authorities in this case. The current ASA interim board has been briefed on the progress made and we have also kept the Ministry of Sport as well as the IAAF up to date with proceedings.”
The IAAF is fully committed in its support for SASCOC and Administrator of ASA Mr. Ray Mali of their engagement of this process.
To this extent the IAAF has granted SASCOC up to November 2010 to provide a further update.
Mr. Reddy said it was important that the matter was completed in a timely manner, while taking into account the rights of all those potentially involved or implicated.
“We want this matter expedited as quickly as possible, while at all times following due process. With an eye on impending ASA elections we need to have this matter completed in order for elections to go ahead.”
As the matter will be handed over to the necessary authorities Reddy said it would not be appropriate for SASCOC to comment any further.
