SHAKE-UP FOR SASCOC?

ockert.devilliers@inl.co.za

SASCOC survived the ministerial inquiry into governance matters at the Olympic body with a few minor bruises instead of suffering any major consequences despite evidence of malpractices and irregularities.

Minister of Sport Tokozile Xasa yesterday released the main findings and recommendations of the inquiry which largely spoke about corporate governance, without fingering any real culprits.

A committee found that Sascoc was reluctant to allow any oversight from any independent or external influences.

“In essence, it is apparent from Sascoc’s response to the committee’s recommendations that Sascoc is opposed to any external or independent oversight of their roles, functions, and the use of public monies,” the report read.

One of the issues could be that the

IOC charter requires National Olympic Committees (NOC) like Sascoc to operate with autonomy and without government interference.

Countries that are in breach of the charter such as government interference may face suspension.

But there are special circumstances when intervention is needed and most would agree Sascoc needed a third party to break up the schoolground bullying that had hamstrung the sports body.

In its findings the committee lists the extent of the rot at Sascoc such as

“no compliance with the basic principles of ethics, transparency, accountability, good governance, or with policies for the purposes of managing the affairs of Sascoc, including its financial affairs”.

The committee ultimately found the board to be dysfunctional while there has been mismanagement of funds used for costs associated with excessive travel and subsistence perks for board members.

Sascoc has until April 2019 to implement the recommendations of the committee, which aims to improve governance at the Olympic body.

Among the major recommendations were that the Sascoc president should be independent and without any affiliation to any sport and recreation body.

The inquiry may not have been as in-depth as many would have hoped but it should lay the foundation to greater compliance with corporate governance principles.