CGA admin warns candidates against dirty tactics ahead of elections

CGA administrator Trevor Fredericks has warned candidates to desist from such behaviour ahead of the elections scheduled to take place at Germiston Stadium on 24 January.

Fredericks confirmed to SABC Sport that he has received complaints from presidential candidates who claim they have been subjected to personal attacks. There are growing concerns that the elections may not be free and fair, despite the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) being brought in to oversee the process.

The CGA administrator fears that unresolved disputes could spill over into legal battles long after the elections have concluded.

“I am more worried about the damage these guys are causing to each other, especially as some of them are friends. I have received complaints about intimidation, personal attacks and labelling one another in a way that damages relationships they are trying to build. For example, Karabo Mabilo has been painted in a certain way by another fellow presidential candidate — just imagine,” said a visibly shocked Fredericks.

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Fredericks, who was appointed by Athletics South Africa after the CGA board was dissolved in October, did not hide his eagerness to hand over the day-to-day running of the province to a newly elected board. He added that political battles have become overwhelming at CGA and hopes that those who lose will accept the outcome and allow the new leadership to move the province forward without further conflict.

“I am not sure whether it’s the political dynamics or the clubs, but from what I picked up from previous proceedings, things did not go well. We are warning candidates to campaign fairly, without intimidation or personal attacks,” he said.

Several candidates are contesting the presidency, including Karabo Mabilo, Steven Khanyile, Thokozani Mazibuko, Brenda Marolen, Rio Matlhaku, Alain van Atcher, Seema Llale and Makgaba Manabile. Some of these individuals previously served on the dissolved board and are now seeking to return under the new leadership structure.

“We’ve already had to deal with a few issues around the elections. People are starting their campaigns and engaging in questionable behaviour, playing the man and not the ball. I was forced to intervene in some of these matters. It’s embarrassing for a big province like CGA,” Fredericks added.