Parliament rips into Netball SA, Molokwane in picture of systemic dysfunction

Comment by Herman Gibbs

In a shocking display of discontent, the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture have turned their critical gaze towards Netball South Africa (NSA), their president Cecilia Molokwane and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).

The committee’s unrestrained critique highlighted a series of failures in governance, transparency, and accountability that they allege jeopardise the future of netball in the country.

The heated session, which took place earlier this week, saw members of Parliament express their mounting frustration, with some even going so far as to label themselves “enraged” at the perceived inadequacies of the governing body’s officials.

As the session progressed, it became increasingly evident that the NSA officials came ill-prepared to address probing questions.

Committee members were left visibly exasperated by the lack of coherent answers, indicating a deeper malaise within the organisation.

Some expressed disbelief that the requested information was not available.

The session underscored the existing issues regarding governance within netball, and also raised concerns about the broader impact of these failings on the sport’s development in South Africa.

Molokwane was at the forefront of the committee’s scrutiny, as her leadership decisions and effectiveness came under fire.

The glaring absence of concrete answers gave rise to further concerns regarding the transparency and communication channels within the organisation under her watch.

The session will be remembered for its numerous stinging exchanges, during which visibly stressed-out NSA officials were lost for words.

The committee alerted the meeting that the session was live-streamed, and hundreds had tuned in to hear proceedings.

Many made scathing remarks about NSA in the comments section.

In a significant twist in the saga surrounding NSA, Molokwane, who labels herself the ‘Chosen One’ has been suspended by World Netball.

This move has sent ripples through the sporting community, raising questions about her long-term leadership following years of allegations regarding maladministration.

Allegations against Molokwane span a range of issues, from mismanagement of funds to lack of proper oversight in administrative functions.

Her critics say her leadership style has contributed to a culture of complacency within the federation, affecting both the players and netball’s development in the country.

The suspension may mark the beginning of the end of Molokwane’s leadership, and it signals a pivotal moment for netball governance in South Africa.

Parliament expressed its displeasure with Sascoc, which is expected to operate as a guiding body for sports federations.

They highlighted Sascoc’s failures in governance and called for urgent reform to alleviate the ongoing administrative challenges that have hindered the progress of federations.

The parliamentary panel’s concerns reflect a mounting impatience regarding the Council’s management capabilities.

The expectation is that Sascoc will ensure effective oversight and support for the country’s representation across various sports.

However, the panel’s assessment paints a picture of systemic dysfunction, with allegations of poor governance leading to stagnation within federations.

Sascoc president Barry Hendricks came under intense scrutiny as the committee did not hold back their criticisms.

Some members said the Council’s operational structure was ineffective, and called for a strategic overhaul. The concerns raised ranged from financial mismanagement to inadequate support for athletes.

There is bound to be fireworks when NSA and the Netball World Cup Board are summoned to return in 14 days to parliament to provide clarity regarding the use of a staggering R90 million allocated for hosting the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

Members were left speechless when they learnt that more than two years had passed, and NSA and the WC Board could supply audited financial statements to account for the funds entrusted to them.