Government to wait on Sascoc move

Government will wait for a report from an independent inquiry panel before making any further decisions or comments on allegations levelled against the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s (Sascoc) embattled board.

“The committee of inquiry was appointed in response to very serious allegations of poor governance, mismanagement and noncompliance with the constitution of Sascoc,” the department of sport and recreation said in a statement yesterday.

“These allegations require an independent inquiry.

“That is why [Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi] will not speculate on the specifics of the case and prefers to wait for the findings and recommendations of the committee.”

Sascoc could face suspension from the Olympic movement if Nxesi follows through with a threat to disband the organisation’s executive.

Informing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the inquiry, Nxesi claimed there was no intention to interfere with administration, but in a letter to Sascoc president Gideon Sam, Nxesi warned he could intervene by “dissolving the Sascoc board as a last resort” if the inquiry committee found it was dysfunctional.

Government interference could place Sascoc in the firing line as it would contravene the IOC’s principles of autonomy.