Sascoc ‘must make changes’

THE Zulman committee of inquiry into governance matters at the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) resulted in nothing more than a slap on the wrist and a warning to administrators at the umbrella body.

Sports Minister Thokozile Xasa released the final report with a host of recommendations Sascoc needed to implement before the end of April next year.

But the final report was void of any hard-hitting measures after the committee heard evidence of irregularities or malpractices in the governance and management of Sascoc.

“I have in essence now decided to approve the final report and its executive summary, which contains the recommendations of the Sascoc committee of inquiry formally and fully, save for the few instances referred to above which allow for minor deviations where applicable,” the sports minister said.

“Required of Sascoc is immediate effect to action to implement all the recommendations of the Sascoc committee of inquiry.”

Sascoc has been given until April 30 next year to execute, implement and fulfil all the recommendations and would have to give the minister an updated monthly report on its progress at the end of each month.

Xasa said should Sascoc not implement the recommendations, she would “implement the necessary intervention measures” as provided for in section 13 (5) (a) of the National Sport and Recreation Act‚ 1998.

The committee was set up by former sports minister Thulas Nxesi and was led by retired Judge Ralph Zulman, veteran cricket administrator Dr Ali Bacher and labour law expert Shamima Gaibie.

Among the key recommendations was that the Sascoc president must be independent and not have any affiliation to any sport and recreation body.

That person should also be appointed by an independent committee.

Sascoc, however, opposed the recommendation, arguing that the president should be elected by the general assembly.

The management structure should consist of a chief executive, chief financial officer, chief operations officer and a director of communications and should not have any links with a sport or recreation body.

If there are any links with sport or a recreation body they should relinquish any links when they are appointed.

Xasa said the current board would have to “undertake a complete and thorough audit of its financial transactions for at least the last five years, including travel and other benefits and the procurement of services, and that any irregular or wasteful and fruitless expenditure is dealt with, and if possible, recovered”.

“In general, it is apparent that while Sascoc agrees with some of the committee’s recommendation, it does not agree with other substantive recommendations that are in the committee’s view fundamental to the governance of sport in the Republic of South Africa,” the report said.

“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.”

Sascoc is expected to discuss the report at its general meeting at its offices in Joburg today.

THE Baby Saver is a specialised hole built into the wall in Lavender Hill where women who want to abandon their babies can leave them in a safe place. The service is run by Lucinda Evans, pictured. | TRACEY ADAMS African News Agency (ANA)