Netball South Africa sets the record straight on Molokwane presser

Cecilia Molokwane.

Netball South Africa has noted the press conference held by suspended President Cecilia Molokwane on Thursday and the federation would like to categorically state that this press conference was not sanctioned by Netball South Africa.

“To our knowledge, Cecilia Molokwane remains suspended under the directives of World Netball. We have not received any communication indicating otherwise. We are aware of the utterances regarding her resuming her role as President of Netball South Africa. As Netball South Africa, we have not engaged with Molokwane and are unaware of her return to the federation,” said Mami Diale, Acting President of Netball South Africa.

Netball South Africa remains a member in good standing with World Netball and will continue to function in accordance with its statutes. As things stand, Molokwane is still suspended and will not be resuming her duties as President of the organisation, as outlined in World Netball’s official correspondence to council members.

Netball South Africa and its stakeholders - including players, coaches, administrators and umpires - would be severely affected should World Netball suspend the federation. It is for this reason that they have strictly complied with World Netball’s directives over the past six months. To them, netball comes first - and netball must always win.

They remain hopeful that this matter will be resolved in due course so that they can continue with the important work of advancing netball in South Africa. Netball South Africa is committed to transparency and good governance as we await the resolution of this issue.

Molokwane remains suspended from all netball-related activities in line with World Netball’s Disciplinary Regulations.

Meanwhile, the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has noted with concern the public statements made by Molokwane during a media briefing held on Thursday.

In her remarks, Molokwane alleged that SASCOC was responsible for her suspension from World Netball and suggested that SASCOC, in collaboration with certain individuals within Netball South Africa, orchestrated a campaign to damage her reputation.

SASCOC categorically distances itself from these allegations. As the national governing body responsible for overseeing high-performance sport and promoting good governance across federations, SASCOC respects the autonomy of international sporting bodies and does not interfere in their disciplinary processes.

To date, SASCOC has not received any formal complaint or evidence from Molokwane to substantiate the claims made during her media briefing.

SASCOC remains committed to transparency, fairness and accountability in sport and they urge all stakeholders to engage through appropriate formal channels to ensure that any concerns are addressed constructively and in accordance with due process.

Public allegations made without substantiation risk undermining the integrity of South Africa's sporting institutions and the trust placed in them by athletes, officials and the broader public.