‘Dysfunctional’ Athletics SA hierarchy under fire
PRESSURE is mounting on Athletics SA (ASA) president James Evans with a move to oust him and his executive one day before the federation’s planned annual general meeting this month.
Boland Athletics has called on the other 16 provincial members to vote out the board at a special general meeting (SGM) on November 29 — the day before the AGM which will be asked to adopt a new constitution that will seemingly give the president more powers.
In a letter to the provinces, Boland wrote that the ASA board had brought the federation into disrepute, adding that two previous calls for SGMs had been unsuccessful.
“Due to infighting and noncompliance the ASA board has been rendered dysfunctional,” said Boland, proposing a motion of no confidence in the board and replacing it with a temporary structure “to restore ASA functions and prepare for elections ... within six months”.
Sources have told the Sunday Times at least 10 provinces had supported Boland’s call.
Observers say ASA’s pro- posed new constitution would give the president -— specifically Evans — more powers.
Changes include reducing the number of provincial members to nine, and cutting the board from 11 to six, comprising the president, two vice-presidents and three ordinary members.
But not anyone will be allowed to serve as an ordinary member.
The new constitution will see a nominations committee, including the president, drawing up a list of candidates who “shall be persons with experience and/or qualifications in the fields of commerce, law and/or accounting”. Evans is an advocate. The president will also: Handle all dealings with government and the world governing body, the IAAF;
Lead the negotiations of all major contracts, in consultation with the board;
Sit as an ex official member on all of ASA’s committees, commissions and provincial associations.
The clause in the existing constitution forbidding the president from being paid a salary has been dropped.
Evans and the board appear to be in breach of the existing constitution on several counts.
The AGM was not called within six months of the December 31 financial year-end; Evans allegedly failed to call the prescribed four board meetings for the year; and Evans has previously admitted receiving a R20 000 monthly stipend at times.
Evans said that he was too busy to respond before today.