Calls made for Athletics South Africa president James Moloi to quit
28th July 2025
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Pressure is growing on Athletics South Africa president James Moloi to step down after he was recently alleged to have used the federation’s credit card for personal gain.
This came to light last month, when ASA appeared before Parliament’s Sports, Arts, and Culture portfolio committee, where Moloi asked about credit card spending from December 2022 to January 2023.
On Monday in Johannesburg, a group identifying themselves as “Concerned members of the public" called a press conference to detail their concerns and called for Moloi and his board to resign within seven days or they will start protests.
"We cannot just watch while ASA falls apart. This is not the first time ASA has had problems. We need leaders who say, ‘enough is enough'," said Moikangoe.
The group includes well-known athletics figures such as veteran official Ernest Moikangoe, former ASA board member Dorah Mngwevu, ex-Two Oceans Marathon winner Israel Morake, athletics star Thulani Sibisi, former Athletics North West leader Peter Machete, and current athlete Keneilwe Sesing.
The group noted several issues with how ASA is run, but their main concern is the clear misuse of the credit card by Moloi.
ASA sent out a statement to criticise the press briefing, but the group insist they have the right to speak out, with Mngwevu stressing: “It is my constitutional right to call this press conference.
"We wrote letters to ASA, SASCOC, and the Sports Minister several times, but got no answers. ASA even threatened to suspend me if I held the conference. That shows they don’t want transparency."
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and SASCOC have started an official audit to look into the matter, but Mngwevu says there is already clear proof against Moloi.
"This is not a guess. He admitted to it. Alcohol was bought, and things were purchased from Fochini, a women’s clothing store, which has nothing to do with athletics. So, what innocence can he claim? If we ignore this, we are part of the problem," she said.
"The board has been quiet for more than a month since Moloi admitted to misusing money in Parliament. No special meetings, no talks with provinces, nothing.
"This silence is not acceptable. We believe the board is failing in its duties. If they don’t act, World Athletics should step in and take control of ASA.”
