Athletics SA grilled by Parliament over deregistration; ‘Our athletes don’t deserve this’

947’s Robert Marawa speaks with Joseph McGluwa, Parliamentary Sport Portfolio Committee Chairperson.

Listen below:

National governing body Athletics South Africa (ASA) was deregistered for non-compliance in February by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).

ASA was deregistered for failing to file annual financial reports for two or more years.

This was brought to light during a Parliamentary session before the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture on 1 April.

While the error was rectified and ASA was relisted, it is a big disappointment for the body and its athletes, says McGluwa. 

“What has transpired in Athletics South Africa is a downright shame... our athletes don’t deserve this.”

 – Joseph McGluwa, chairperson – Parliamentary Sport Portfolio Committee

“[As the portfolio committee] we are saying we are duty bound to see that athletes and their participation on all levels must happen. What is important to us is that sports must develop in South Africa at a grassroots level, which currently is not happening.” 

 – Joseph McGluwa, chairperson – Parliamentary Sport Portfolio Committee

McGulwa says this is just another result of the lack of management and administration at ASA.

Terrence Magogodela has been the body’s acting CEO since 2020.

“The committee has made it very clear that they are not going to leave it there. They are definitely going to want Athletics South Africa back in Parliament and hopefully not the same entourage. And I hope what the country has seen, we have to elect new leaders that really care about the athletes.”

 – Joseph McGluwa, chairperson – Parliamentary Sport Portfolio Committee

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion