Inquiry lambastes Tubby Reddy
His conduct was found to be dishonest
A MINISTERIAL inquiry into the governance of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has found that a sexual harassment allegation against axed chief executive Tubby Reddy was dealt with in a “lackadaisical” fashion.
Coaching development manager Desiree Vardhan accused Reddy of sexual harassment last year.
He had allegedly sent her emails and made comments of an indecent nature.
Reddy was suspended in June last year and subsequently fired in January, following a disciplinary hearing.
The inquiry also found Reddy’s manner of awarding colours had not only been open to manipulation, but was also unlawful.
His conduct in relation to the appointment of SS Griffin Risk Management Services, his manipulation of the Griffin Report, and submissions to the sports minister contravened Sascoc policies.
Reddy’s conduct was found to have been unethical and dishonest to the extent that it amounted to fraudulent misrepresentation.
But he told POST the sexual harassment allegations were orchestrated against him in order to have him fired.
“They could not have their own way and had to orchestrate a plan to get me out. For eight years we ran the organisation successfully, then suddenly the coach comes and we have these allegations.”
Reddy said he had taken up the matter of unfair dismissal with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which is expected to hear the case next month.
“I will bare all, as I did not even get a chance to defend myself before being fired. They (the disciplinary committee) decided to proceed with a disciplinary hearing without me being present, despite me notifying them that I was ill and unable to make the hearing. I had given them a medical certificate.
“At the CCMA hearing I will be able to tell my side of the story, and how these people have manipulated the entire system to suit themselves,” he said.
Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa released the ministerial probe’s findings on Friday. They revealed a vast number of irregularities and mismanagement at the organisation.
The inquiry was led by retired Judge Ralph Zulman, together with former cricket administrator Ali Bacher and labour law expert Shamima Gaibie.
According to the inquiry, the issues of eligibility of board members was raised and dealt with in the context of factionalism within the board, rather than in the interests of the organisation and sport, and deemed the board dysfunctional.
It also found an absence of compliance with appropriate governance, procurement processes and policies, and that an inordinate amount of Sascoc resources had been spent on legal fees.
Sascoc president, Gideon Sam, also came under scrutiny for failing to consult board members and the minister about key issues. Other findings included that there had been mismanagement of funds used for costs associated with international travel for board members and senior management.
Senior Sascoc employees Jean Kelly and chief financial officer Vinesh Maharaj were also axed by the committee earlier this year. The inquiry found Maharaj’s conduct in using Sascoc’s service providers for personal favours for himself and for other board members constituted conduct akin to corruption.
Kelly’s conduct in relation to the Griffin Report was found to be similar to that of Reddy, dealing her the same fate as his.