South African athletics is on the cusp of a new bright period, supported by a stream of young talents regularly winning medals at junior and senior championships, as well as setting new world records.
However, while this promising generation establishes itself, the Athletics South Africa (ASA) faces the threat of international isolation. The root of this problem lies in the suspension of President James Moloi's powers and systemic management failures that have led to a harsh ultimatum from World Athletics.
This mandate could halt the development of athletics in the country before the current momentum gains traction. The contrast between track results and leadership conduct could not have been more evident.
The historic silver medal in the 4x100m race at the Paris Olympics, secured by young athlete Bayanda Walaza and veteran participant Akani Simbin, marked the arrival of a new powerful era in South African sprinting. Walaza subsequently demonstrated his world-class level by winning double gold in the 100m and 200m races at the World Athletics Junior Championships in Lima.
Continuing to gain momentum, middle-distance specialist Sinesifo Dambile and outstanding 400m runner Zakiti Nene continue to deliver world-class performances on the international stage. In middle distances, 800m indoor world champion Prudence Sekgodiso has firmly established herself among the global elite. On track distances, Tyla Kavanagh recently set a record in Romania, running 30:50 and breaking the national record in the 10km, becoming the first South African woman to run under 31 minutes.
Failures in Administrative Management
Nevertheless, this emerging era is overshadowed by administrative failures. Following an official directive from Monaco, World Athletics demanded the immediate removal of Moloi and presented a nine-month plan for reforming the federation's statutes.
Crucially, the global body warned that failure to implement these fundamental governance reforms within six months would lead to temporary suspension under Article 13. Article 13 of the World Athletics Statutes grants the global governing body the right to suspend member federations that fail to adhere to proper governance, integrity, or constitutional standards.
Suspension under Article 13 voids the federation's international rights, prohibiting its athletes from competing, earning ranking points, or setting recognized records. If the suspension is activated, the consequences for South African athletics will be immediate and catastrophic.
The ban will deprive local athletes of the right to national selection, representing the flag, recognition of official records, and world ranking points. It will exclude South Africa's top talents from the World Athletics Championships in Beijing in 2027 and freeze their path to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
At the center of the dispute is Moloi, who was suspended in October 2025 following a forensic audit conducted by Forvis Mazars, one of the leading global auditing and consulting networks. The audit revealed systematic misuse of the ASA corporate credit card in 399 transactions between May 2023 and April 2024.
The audit detailed over 300,000 rands in unauthorized expenses and breaches of monthly limits in nine out of twelve months, citing purchases of personal clothing, ATM cash withdrawals, and unexplained hospitality receipts. The investigation, led by the head of South African athletics Zahele Dlamini, followed independent disciplinary hearings chaired by former judge Bashir Wagla, which found Moloi guilty of financial misconduct and recommended his immediate removal.
World Athletics subsequently approved the findings of the Wagla commission, instructing ASA to immediately dismiss Moloi. In addition to the president's removal, the nine-month plan requires ASA to rewrite its statutes, restore decision-making powers to its High Council, eliminate provincial voting conflicts, establish strict term limits, and mandate that the council include representatives from both women and active athletes.
While athletes continue to usher in a new bright era through dedicated training and world-class performances, management issues must not be allowed to derail their progress. The ASA Executive Committee has a clear duty to act decisively and fully implement the required reforms.
