Athletics South Africa (ASA) has announced the appointment of Jean Verster as its acting president, effective immediately. This move comes as the federation works to address governance challenges and comply with directives from World Athletics. The appointment was made at an ASA board meeting on October 30, following a directive from Zakhele Dlamini, president of the Southern African Confederation of Athletics.
The appointment of Verster as acting president is a temporary measure, set to remain in place until the ASA council meeting on November 28. At this meeting, the council will consider the interim leadership arrangement and determine the way forward. Verster, who serves as the federation's chair of track and field, was appointed unanimously by the board.
The move is part of ASA's efforts to comply with World Athletics directives, which were issued following a fact-finding mission in September. The mission, led by Zakhele Dlamini, found serious deficiencies in the governance and functioning of ASA. As a result, World Athletics instructed ASA to enforce the immediate dismissal of president James Moloi, who remains suspended pending a recommendation by a disciplinary committee.
James Moloi's suspension is related to financial irregularities, including the unauthorized use of ASA assets and double-dipping. A disciplinary committee found Moloi guilty of using an ASA card for personal expenses and receiving an R18,000 allowance for one month while also spending on the card. The committee's findings led to World Athletics' directive for his dismissal.
In addition to addressing leadership challenges, ASA is working to reform its constitution and hold elections. World Athletics has given the federation six months to complete these tasks, or face global suspension. To support these efforts, ASA will convene a comprehensive strategic planning meeting from November 13 to 15, with the assistance of Zakhele Dlamini.
The strategic planning meeting will focus on finalizing an organizational roadmap to guide ASA's governance and operational alignment with World Athletics and CAA requirements. The proposed roadmap will be presented to the ASA council for consideration and formal adoption before being submitted to the international and continental athletics governing bodies.
ASA remains committed to strengthening its governance structures, promoting stability within the federation, and ensuring that the interests of South African athletics remain central to the processes underway. The federation is working to address internal governance challenges and advance compliance with the governance directives communicated by World Athletics and CAA.
Key points
- Jean Verster has been appointed as the acting president of Athletics South Africa.
- ASA is working to comply with World Athletics directives to avoid global suspension.
- The federation is set to convene a strategic planning meeting to finalize an organizational roadmap.
