Sascoc requests meeting with Xasa in hopes of moving forward

While the embattled organisation is reluctant to proceed with some of the changes required by Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa, the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) says it is willing to discuss a way forward.

“There is disagreement with the minister on policy and constitutional matters,” Sascoc said in a statement after its special general meeting in Joburg on Saturday.

“In order to move forward, we must have a constructive dialogue with the ministry on how we can implement the areas of agreement, clarify areas of disagreement and find solutions.”

Though the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has warned Sascoc it could face suspension if there was government intervention in its affairs, Xasa said in December heads could roll if the national Olympic body did not reach a five-month deadline to get its house in order.

In response, the Sascoc council confirmed it would institute a forensic audit going back five years, as well as an internal process to rectify noncompliance of corporate governance principles.

The Olympic body had concerns, however, with some of the recommendations made by the Sascoc/Zulman Committee of Inquiry last year, which were approved by Xasa.

According to the inquiry report, the Sascoc board was failing with regards to corporate governance and board members were guilty of frivolous spending, while disputes had rendered the executive committee dysfunctional.

Amendments to the Sascoc constitution were required before the end of April, with Xasa insisting that board members be limited to two four-year terms and future nominations for the position of Sascoc president be put forward by an independent committee.

“We cannot resolve matters without talking. These are matters of policy and right of association,” said Sascoc.

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