CGA suspends president Steven Khanyile for alleged embezzlement

Khanyile, who currently holds the position of SMT treasurer, is accused of diverting R157,000 from the SMT funds, prompting his suspension as requested by the Diepkloof Athletics Club and 16 affiliated clubs. 

Despite receiving a multi-million rand sponsorship contract with African Bank in July for the November Soweto Marathon all associated funds have been frozen due to the aforementioned embezzlement allegations.

Responding to these grave accusations, the CGA recently initiated a comprehensive forensic investigation. A formal communication seen by SABC Sport has confirmed the CGA’s acknowledgement of the president’s suspension.

Reads part of the letter “Considering the seriousness of these allegations, the board of CGA has resolved to place Mr. Steven Khanyile on leave of absence to allow the forensic investigations envisaged by yourselves to go unhindered. This decision by the CGA board does not intend to assume the President is guilty or innocent in this matter, but it is done as a matter of principle and best practice.

“The board of CGA has resolved that during the President’s leave of absence, he shall be precluded from participating in all activities associated with athletics in the province, including the affairs of SMT. 

“This leave of absence takes effect immediately and shall end when we have processed the report by the Forensic investigator appointed by the SMT. The board of CGA calls upon you to expeditiously conduct the forensic investigations to ensure fairness to Mr. Khanyile,” said the letter.  

CGA requested SMT to furnish the board of CGA with a report by no later than 31 August.

Khanyile has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a deliberate witch hunt to tarnish his reputation. Having dedicated two decades to his service within the CGA, Khanyile asserted he finds himself unjustly singled out and made a scapegoat. He expressed a desire to participate in the probe into his financial records, seeing it as a chance to clear his name.

“I welcome the forensic investigation wholeheartedly and have nothing to hide. I am not a criminal. However, I believe the investigation shouldn’t focus solely on me: every member of the SMT should undergo scrutiny,” Khanyile told SABC Sport.