Under-siege organization Netball South Africa (NSA) has released a statement to address the various issues that have engulfed it.
More recently, NSA president Cecilia Molokwane was suspended by World Netball, while the organization appeared to be clutching at straws during a Parliamentary enquiry.
NSA has since responded in detail to the issues related to the running of the organization.
1. The President’s Precautionary Suspension by World Netball
Netball South Africa acknowledges the public discourse currently circulating in media reports and on social media. We remain fully committed to upholding the principles and values of corporate governance, including accountability, transparency, institutional integrity, and the prioritisation of athlete welfare above all else.
Netball South Africa confirms that World Netball, the international governing body, has instituted a disciplinary process involving the President of NSA, and placed her under precautionary suspension. In accordance with the instructions received from World Netball, NSA has been directed not to interfere in this process.
World Netball has clarified that the investigation into the allegations is being conducted in accordance with its Disciplinary Regulations. It has confirmed that all actions taken thus far align with its published policies, including the jurisdiction outlined in Clause 4.1 of the World Netball Disciplinary Regulations.
Additionally, World Netball emphasised that this is a procedural, rather than punitive step, intended solely to determine whether there is a case to answer.
Netball South Africa respects all applicable governance frameworks and is fully cooperating with World Netball in the interest of due process and lawful resolution. The situation in which we find ourselves is difficult for all concerned, however for the good of our sport we must ensure that any allegations put to us are addressed with complete integrity and respect for the individuals involved.
- Clarification on Parliamentary Engagement and Financial Oversight
During a recent Parliamentary session, questions were raised , including specific line-item expenditures from NSA’s past financial records. In keeping with Parliamentary House Rules, Netball South Africa’s leadership (CEO) requested time to consult the appropriate records to ensure the accuracy of our responses.
It is not only within our rights but also our responsibility to ensure that the information submitted to Parliament is factually correct and verifiable. Despite this, NSA leadership was unfairly pressured to respond immediately to detailed financial queries, specific to the 2023/24 Financial Year. Such expectations are inconsistent with standard Parliamentary practice and risk undermining the integrity of governance processes. In terms of the Parliamentary rules regarding oral questioning, NSA is within its rights.
The manner in which these questions were posed raises serious concerns. Safeguarding is a fundamental policy in sport and must never be taken lightly.
However, the interrogative approach directed at our leadership risks undermining the very principles this policy seeks to uphold. While we acknowledge that gender should not exempt anyone from accountability, it equally must not render us vulnerable to politically motivated targeting.
The Portfolio Committee has seen 6 Federations (Boxing SA, SANABO, Basketball SA, Athletics SA, Swimming SA), but none of them has trending videos on social media platforms published by a member of Parliament for public humiliation. Is this because NSA is a women-led federation?
We confirm that a detailed written response addressing all financial queries is currently being consolidated and will be submitted to Parliament in line with proper procedure.
- Clarifying the 2023 Netball World Cup Financials
It is critical to clarify that the Netball World Cup 2023 was overseen by a separate and independent World Cup Board, registered under CIPC, with its own Directors, and funded by government amongst others; distinct from the current board and leadership of Netball South Africa – noting that the President of Netball South Africa and the former CEO were part of the 2023 NWC Board. The concerns and financial reports around the 2023 Netball World Cup, should be accounted for by the 2023 NWC Board. Those two entities need to be separated.
Netball South Africa has not, and is not, obstructing access to the financial records of the 2023 Netball World Cup. We are actively working in coordination with all relevant stakeholders to ensure full transparency and accountability in this matter.
- Administration and Financial Partners
Netball South Africa is one of 76 national sporting federations in South Africa and remains the only majority-female sport among them. Despite this, the federation receives (6% of the total funding in the financial year 2023/24) and (3% of its total funding in the financial year 2024/25) of its annual funding from government.
The vast majority of our financial resources are secured independently through partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts—directly benefiting our athletes and the sport.
All sponsors get detailed reports in line with sponsorship contracts of their value for money or return in investment.
Netball South Africa is a registered Non-Profit Organisation, compliant with the provisions of the Companies Act (NPC Articles), the Kings IV Code, the NSA Constitution and By-Laws, and also with government (DSAC) and SASCOC.
4.1. Despite financial constraints, Netball South Africa has:
Successfully hosted and managed national tournaments, sustained grassroots development programmes and earned international recognition for its athletes.
Out of the 76 Federations, Netball South Africa is 1 of the 3 compliant federations to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Our Annual Reports are transparent and shows the milestones achieved.
Netball South Africa reiterates its full cooperation with all oversight and regulatory bodies and remains committed to ensuring that all financial records and governance processes are fully accounted for and lawfully handled.
We remain focused on responsible leadership, sound governance, and protecting the future of netball in South Africa. Political theatrics and misinformation will not distract us from our purpose: growing the game, supporting our athletes and nurturing talent, and importantly, keeping Netball alive.
