Sascoc probe dragging on

Wesley Bo on

The release of a report into allegations against the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) remains indefinite, the Public Protector’s office has confirmed, over three years after the investigation was launched.

The end of the probe could not be anticipated “at this stage”, according to Public Protector spokesman Oupa Segalwe.

He insisted this week the process was ongoing, however, despite government watchdog Thuli Madonsela preparing to step down from her seven-year term next month.

“We are interacting with respondents and requesting information on some of the issues critical to the probe,” Segalwe said.

Madonsela’s office opened an investigation into the Olympic body in 2013 after allegations were laid of maladministration and mismanagement.

Multiple federations had come to blows with Sascoc over the last five years, with the high-performance body suspending numerous codes for varying periods, including Athletics SA, Squash SA and the SA Equestrian Council, all due to leadership disputes, as well as Karate SA and Powerboat SA, both due to alleged poor governance.

Sascoc came under fire last week after Olympic silver medallist Sunette Viljoen lashed out for the poor kit provided at the Rio Games and she again criticised the governing body for alleged delays in payments.

While Sascoc had previously defended itself by revealing Viljoen received nearly R900 000 in financial support on the Operation Excellence programme over a three-year period following the London 2012 Games, the national javelin record holder was backed by numerous athletes on social media, including canoeist Bridgitte Hartley, 400m hurdler LJ van Zyl and race walker Marc Mundell.