Limpopo Sport Dept rocked by damning corruption report
Officials accused of extortion, intoxication and fraud as Limpopo’s Sport Department faces another corruption scandal over the NSSC in Bloemfontein.
POLOKWANE – Allegations of corruption, extortion and mismanagement have hit the Sport Department, following a damning investigative report into this year’s National School Sport Championships (NSSC) in Bloemfontein.
The report, presented to MEC Funani Maseko, exposed officials allegedly collecting money from suppliers, absenteeism, intoxication during events and the fraudulent backdating of documents – all lapses that contributed to Limpopo’s withdrawal from the championships, a scenario that also occurred in 2015 and 2019.
Maseko said an implementation plan has been developed to correct the administrative and financial rot and is awaiting execution.
The MEC is expected to appear soon before the provincial portfolio committee on Sport, Arts and Culture to discuss the findings.
During the NSSC trip, athletes reportedly lacked proper meals and accommodation, with some children and guardians turning back before reaching the venue, despite a substantial budget intended to ensure smooth logistics.
Read more: No food, beds or plan: Limpopo athletes left embarrassed at nationals
The DA publicly revealed the report on October 27, highlighting serious concerns:
– Contradictory statements, dishonesty and poor oversight by senior officials.
– Senior managers failing to attend the national event.
– Extortion and corruption involving supplier payments.
– Officials allegedly intoxicated and absent during events.
– Fraudulent backdating of documents to conceal wrongdoing.
The investigation recommended disciplinary action against several officials, criminal charges for extortion and corruption, recovery of R312 473.58 from implicated parties, a full audit of programmes over the past two years, disbanding the Limpopo Schools Athletics (Limsa) committee, blacklisting non-performing service providers, and delivering missing sporting attire to affected athletes.
Maseko declined to comment directly on the DA’s statement, calling it political.
“The DA is politicking and this is not the time or platform for that. Protocol is being followed to get to the bottom of the matter,” he said.
