Controversial Athletics South Africa (ASA) Acting CEO Terrence Magogodela has declared five Central Gauteng Athletics members “guilty” even before their disciplinary hearing.
The “guilty” members are Ernest Moikangoa, Keinelwe Sesing, Dora Mngwevu, Mfuneko Joko, and Thulani Sibisi.
Sunday World reported on August 13 that the suspensions stemmed from a media briefing where they demanded accountability and transparency from ASA president James Moloi and Magogodela.
Both Moloi and Magogodela admitted in parliament that they used the ASA credit card in shebeens. This move prompted a forensic investigation. And both of them are implicated in the forensic report, while Moloi has already been suspended.
Earlier this month, Moloi assured parliament that the suspensions had nothing to do with the members demanding accountability. MPs questioned the legality of the move. They noted that since the individuals are CGA members, ASA may not have had the authority to suspend them.
Contrary to Moloi’s statement, ASA has now formally charged and found the members guilty.
Putting the cart before the horse
Despite this apparent predetermined verdict, Magogodela has issued letters to the accused members. In the letters, he is inviting them to a disciplinary hearing. The hearing is scheduled for November 12, at Athletics House in Houghton Estate.
The charge sheet reads in part: “At all material times, you were a registered official. A former long-standing member of the board of Athletics South Africa. And a current member of Central Gauteng Athletics and Athletics South Africa (ASA). Thereby being bound by its constitutions and code of ethics.
“You extended an invitation to provincial members of ASA to attend a press conference/media briefing scheduled for 28 July 2025. Relating to the ‘shameful status of the administration of ASA’. Despite you having been requested by ASA not to call such a press conference/media briefing, you nevertheless proceeded with the hosting thereof. Contrary to a directive from ASA, thereby undermining the integrity and authority of ASA and its board. In violation of the ASA constitution.”
He then listed the makes a guilty verdicts. “You are guilty of alleged serious misconduct in that you, together with others, convened a press conference on 28 July 2025. Despite being instructed not to proceed. During this event, you publicly discussed the status of ASA’s administration and criticised ASA office bearers. In direct contravention of Article 35 of the ASA Integrity Code.
Guilty, ad infinitum
“You are guilty of alleged serious misconduct in that you, with the participation of others, violated the ASA Constitution and Article 4 of the ASA Integrity Code. By failing to submit any grievance against ASA Board members to the ASA Disciplinary Committee. As required by the Constitution.
“You are guilty of alleged serious misconduct in that, although the purpose of the media briefing was to highlight breaches of the ASA Constitution and Integrity Code by board members. [And] you failed to report such breaches to the chairperson of the ASA Disciplinary Committee as required by Rule 8 of the Integrity Code.
“You are guilty of alleged misconduct in that you and others, by calling and hosting the media briefing, acted in a manner that adversely affected ASA’s reputation. And brought the sport into disrepute, in violation of Article 11 of the Integrity Code.
“You are guilty of alleged serious misconduct in that you and others failed to act with integrity, honesty, and responsibility. In fulfilling your roles in athletics, in violation of Article 12 of the Integrity Code.
“You are guilty of alleged serious misconduct in that you and others failed to act in good faith towards the ASA Board. Thereby undermining mutual trust and understanding, in violation of Article 21 of the Integrity Code.
“You are guilty of misconduct. In that you and others relied on untested or unsubstantiated allegations against one or more ASA Board members for personal gain or benefit. Causing malicious damage to their reputations, in violation of Article 25 of the Integrity Code.”
Mngwevu said: “We have received the letters and are currently consulting with our legal representatives.”
Questions were sent to Magogodela. And at the time of publishing, he had not responded.
