The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has officially launched an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving Athletics South Africa (ASA) President James Moloi. The announcement was made in a letter from ASA acting CEO Terrance Magogodela to ASA members.
“ASA wishes to inform its general membership that SASCOC has initiated an investigation at the request of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. ASA will fully cooperate and keep members informed of developments, particularly the outcome. We urge members to respect the process and refrain from prejudging the matter through unsubstantiated media reports. We urge them to await the investigation’s conclusions. Further updates will be provided in due course.”
Pressure from stakeholders
The investigation follows sustained pressure from stakeholders, athletes, provincial structures and the public. This after allegations surfaced that both Moloi and Magogodela misused the ASA corporate credit card for personal expenses, including luxury purchases.
However, the ASA community has largely rejected the investigation. It raised concerns about its credibility and the integrity of the process.
Limpopo Athletics Management Association (LIMA) president Sam Senwamadi expressed disappointment.
“We have received the communication, but the board has not fully deliberated on it. Limpopo is one of the provinces that formally requested a special general meeting to demand transparency. ASA had not responded until now, with this letter dated 16 July 2025.
“We believe ASA members should address this internally rather than relying on external bodies like SASCOC. The special general meeting would allow provinces to engage directly with ASA leadership. To pinpoint failures, and propose solutions. SASCOC, as an Olympic body, does not oversee ASA directly. Thus, ASA cannot absolve itself from accountability to its members by hiding behind the SASCOC investigation.”
Provincial structures reject statement
Dorah Mngwevu, a respected athletics administrator and outspoken critic of ASA leadership, rejected ASA’s communication entirely.
“We reject the ASA statement. Both Magogodela and Moloi are implicated and cannot be the ones communicating about the investigation. Their failure to refute the allegations convincingly amounts to an admission. Both must step down immediately to ensure a fair and transparent process. Their continued presence compromises evidence and access to witnesses. It jeopardises the investigation,” Mngwevu said.
Thulani Sibisi from the Soweto Marathon Trust echoed these concerns, calling ASA’s approach “a joke”.
“I’m deeply disappointed that the ASA board and athletes are allowing this farce. The CEO, who admitted under oath to buying alcohol with ASA funds, has the audacity to inform us of the investigation. Yet neither he nor the president is suspended. This undermines the entire process and is a betrayal of the sport. Until both step aside, there can be no credible investigation. This must be rejected outright,” Sibisi said.
