SASCOC board to decide Nozipho Jafta’s future as CEO

Acting president Lwandile Simelane has confirmed to SABC Sport that the board will deliberate on whether to renew Jafta’s contract or advertise the position for a new candidate.

The meeting comes at a crucial time for the national Olympic body, which recently unveiled Durban as its official candidate city for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games. SASCOC is expected to table its bid later this month, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set to reveal the shortlisted host cities in March 2027.

However, questions remain over whether Jafta will still be at the helm when the Olympic bid process gathers momentum. "Yes, her contract expires next month,” Simelane confirmed.

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“When the board has made a decision on whether to keep or let go of the CEO, we will communicate publicly. I cannot discuss the matter further. Let’s allow the board to meet and deliberate on her future before we take this matter forward,” said Simelane, who is acting in place of suspended president Barry Hendricks.

Simelane was reluctant to reveal more about the discussions but acknowledged that Jafta had played an important role in turning around the organisation.

“The board will never let go of an opportunity to ensure that the human resources of an organisation are fit for purpose and able to deliver on its strategy.

“The board has been happy with the turnaround strategy over the last couple of years, and the CEO has been a great asset to the organisation,” she explained.

When pressed on whether SASCOC would renew Jafta’s contract, Simelane smiled but declined to comment further.

Jafta joined SASCOC in 2022, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the organisation. She inherited an Olympic body battling financial difficulties and instability and has since been credited with helping steer it towards recovery.

However, the CEO was also unwilling to be drawn into speculation about her future.

“I have no comment on my future. Can we leave that discussion for another day? Not now,” Jafta told SABC Sport.

The board's upcoming meeting is expected to provide clarity on whether Jafta will continue leading SASCOC as the organisation prepares for its ambitious Olympic hosting bid.