An ’embarrassment’ and a ‘mess’: Netball SA taken to task by parliament

Netball South Africa (NSA) was raked through the coals on Tuesday by the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, with members of parliament criticising the federation for not taking action against its president, Cecilia Molokwane, and for lengthy delays in releasing audited financial reports.

The national netball body appeared in front of the portfolio committee for the first time, just days after World Netball suspended Molokwane.

“While we acknowledge the growth and achievements of netball in our country, we also emphasise the importance of good governance, principles and values,” said the portfolio committee chairperson, Joseph McGluwa.

“Unfortunately, netball is currently embroiled in controversy with its president suspended, pending a disciplinary hearing. In short, Netball South Africa is in a mess.”

Though the details of Molokwane’s suspension remained unclear, World Netball had reacted to complaints it had received from NSA members, and it was believed they revolved around Molokwane leading a ‘cabal’ which was blocking individuals from standing for positions at upcoming NSA elections.

World Netball sent letters to Molokwane, the NSA board and the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) stating that she could not have any involvement in the sport for 14 days until a disciplinary process was completed.

While NSA had not taken any action against Molokwane, she did not attend the meeting, and NSA vice-president Mami Diale introduced herself as the acting president.

Financial concerns

Meanwhile, the NSA executive spent much of its time in front of the portfolio committee addressing financial concerns, such as the delayed release of audited financial statements, which included R90 million the federation had received from government over three years to organise the 2023 Netball World Cup held in Cape Town.

Grilled on its financial statements from 2023 and 2024, the NSA board was able to explain some of the expenditure but was not able to provide specific details, including how R119,217 was spent on a ‘social media influencer’ and over R2-million was spent on ‘consulting fees’.

“It’s an embarrassment and an indictment on us as South Africans… and we are going to ensure accountability and transparency, especially in lieu of the fact that these are public funds,” said committee member Shameemah Salie.

The NSA executive agreed to come back at a later stage to provide detailed explanations on its expenses in recent years.

Head coach selection

The netball body was also asked why it had appointed Jenny van Dyk as Proteas head coach last year ahead of black coaches who had also applied for the post.

Van Dyk, a former head coach of the SA U-21 team and the Botswana national team, guided the Gauteng Jaguars to five successive titles in the Telkom Netball League between 2017 and 2021.

“We advertised the position and all coaches in this country had the opportunity to apply… but when it comes to coaching it’s not always your CV that talks to you,” said Claudine Claassen, NSA director of demarcation and structures.

“You have to know the person can do the job, and we followed vigorous processes because we have set a goal to be one of the top teams in the world and to be on the podium at the 2027 World Cup.”