20/06/2026
ASA AGM UNITES PROVINCES BEHIND BOLD REFORM AND RENEWAL OF ATHLETICS
• 17 provinces unite behind a common vision for South African athletics.
• New measures proposed to protect athletes and regulate race organisers.
• National Athletics Indaba approved to shape the future of the sport.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) took significant steps towards strengthening the future of the sport when delegates gathered for a productive and forward-looking Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Garden Court OR Tambo Hotel in Isando, Kempton Park, on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
The meeting brought together representatives of all 17 ASA Member Provinces who, in a strong show of unity and collective purpose, resolved to work hand-in-hand in advancing athletics and restoring the federation to greater heights. Delegates engaged in robust discussions on governance, athlete welfare, event regulation and the long-term sustainability of the sport, reaffirming their commitment to building a stronger and more accountable athletics movement.
One of the key resolutions adopted by Council centred on addressing the growing challenge of illegal races and unsanctioned athletics events. Delegates expressed concern over loopholes in the current regulatory framework that have enabled some organisers to operate outside recognised structures, often exposing athletes to financial and administrative risks.
Council members further noted instances where athletes had been left vulnerable after participating in events where organisers failed to honour prize-money commitments and subsequently disappeared without meeting their obligations.
To protect athletes and preserve the integrity of the sport, the AGM resolved that ASA should urgently formulate stricter regulations requiring all event organisers to undergo a comprehensive vetting process before receiving sanction approval. The proposed measures will assess, among other things, an organiser's administrative capacity, governance compliance and financial standing.
In addition, delegates agreed that organisers should be required to demonstrate financial capability by depositing prize money with the sanctioning province or relevant athletics authority before an event is approved. The proposed safeguard is aimed at ensuring that athletes receive the rewards due to them and that organisers fulfil their commitments.
The spirit of constructive engagement that characterised the meeting also led to a resolution calling for an urgent National Athletics Indaba. The Indaba will bring together the ASA Board, Member Provinces and Associate Members to assess the current state of athletics in South Africa and develop recommendations for a strategic turnaround plan aimed at strengthening all facets of the sport.
The AGM also received and considered a report commissioned by World Athletics and prepared by Zakhele Dlamini, the President of the Southern African Confederation of Athletics (SACA) and Deputy President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and President of Eswatini Athletics.
The report arose from an intervention sought by ASA President James Moloi regarding his ongoing suspension. Following consideration and acceptance of the report, Council resolved to extend Mr Moloi's suspension pending the establishment of a new disciplinary process.
Council further resolved that the disciplinary committee will comprise three members nominated respectively by Athletics South Africa, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), and the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA). ASA will lead the prosecution process, while Moloi will be entitled to legal representation of his choice.
The AGM was also informed that the matter involving Steven Swarts, the suspended President of Athletics Free State (AFS), arising from a safeguarding-related issue, will be addressed by ASA Acting President John Mathane on 11 July 2026, subject to confirmation of the date by Athletics Free State.
While substantial progress was made on several key governance and strategic matters, the AGM was unable to conclude all business before the close of proceedings. Council therefore agreed that the remaining agenda items, including consideration of the financial report, will be carried over to a continuation of the AGM on a date to be determined.
The meeting nevertheless marked an important milestone for ASA, with delegates demonstrating a renewed commitment to unity, accountability, athlete protection and the development of a sustainable future for athletics throughout the country.
Ends
CAPTION:
Zakhele Dlamini of Eswatini delivering his report to the ASA AGM on the matter regarding the suspended President of ASA, James Moloi
Dlamini was in his capacity as the President of Southern African Confederation of Athletics (SACA) and Vice President of CAA (Confederation of African Athletics) and as a representative assigned by World Athletics as an observer.
