Sascoc was ‘dysfunctional’

Some burning issues were raised yesterday as the long-awaited ministerial inquiry into the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) got under way in Johannesburg.

Multiple witnesses gave testimony under oath to the inquiry led by retired Judge Ralph Zulman. “The general impression I’ve got so far (from witnesses) is that Sascoc was dysfunctional,” Zulman said near the end of the opening day. “Of course, we’re going to have to hear the other side.”

Among allegations made by witnesses were claims that Sascoc had stunted the development of athletes by denying wrestlers the opportunity to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The inquiry resumes on Thursday.