Allegations of financial misconduct have emerged against Athletics South Africa (ASA) President James Moloi and acting CEO Terrence Magogodela, who are accused of using the organisation’s credit card for personal purchases, including alcohol at local taverns.
During a Portfolio Committee meeting on Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday, June 17, parliament was presented with bank statements revealing questionable transactions.
Entertained clients at taverns
It was revealed that ASA previously had three credit cards. One of them was registered to Moloi. He admitted to using it to “entertain clients” with alcohol at shebeens.
ANC MP Matsholo Mmolotsane highlighted a series of suspect transactions made during ASA’s December closure period.
On December 31 2023, there were separate transactions. These included R128 at a bottle store, petrol, and four Vodacom Makoya Shandis purchases. An additional R969 was spent at Cellular Express, ALB St Auste.
On January 1 2024, the card was used at a drinking hole called Ekhoneni Bulk 23 Moagi tavern. It was also used at Pick n Pay Express in Vosloorus, east of Joburg.
On January 3 2024, there was a purchase at Fresh Ocean Fish. And on January 5 2024 there was a transaction at OR Tambo International Airport.
On January 6 2024, the card was also used at a tavern called Rosie O’Grady’s Bar. And it was used again at OR Tambo airport. On January 7 2024 the card was again used at Ekhoneni tavern and at OR Tambo.
Card used at various outlets
On January 8 2024 the credit card was used at Nando’s Norwood, buying food to the value of R500.
It was further revealed that on January 20 2024, the credit card was used at another tavern in the Free State, as well as at KFC.
On March 26 there was a purchase of R1 000 at Thandi’s Tavern. There was another purchase later at Cofi Gqeberha Newlands, where he bought alcohol worth R9,320.40.
Purchases were also noted at Foschini, a women’s fashion retailer, and Love Candy, a confectionery store.
Mmolotsane questioned the legitimacy of these expenses.
“Why was the card used when ASA was closed? And is it even permissible to buy alcohol using company funds?”
Purchases coincided with birthday
Further concerns were raised by Eugene Mthethwa, a member of the EFF. He stated that on December 13, Magogodela allegedly spent R8, 938 on alcohol from NGF. This was just two days before Moloi’s birthday.
Moloi defended himself by saying he entertained potential business partners who preferred to meet in taverns.
“I did buy Nando’s, but it was for athletes participating in a cross-country marathon. They are often hungry,” Moloi told parliarment.
“I bought alcohol, primarily for clients and business associates who expressed interest in supporting ASA. These individuals often requested meetings at taverns. And during those engagements, they would ask me to buy them drinks.
“I had to accommodate them as part of our engagement efforts. Some of the alcohol was also intended for artists as we were in the process of organising an event.”
Minister wants forensic probe
However, Patriotic Alliance MP Marlon Daniels was unconvinced.
“You’re being dishonest. That booze was for yourself and your own parties,” he said.
Both parliament and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, have recommended a full forensic investigation into ASA’s financial management.
