Athletics SA boss welcomes Minister Gayton McKenzie decision to launch forensic investigation

This comes after ASA appeared before the parliamentary portfolio committee on sports, arts, and culture on Tuesday, where concerns were raised regarding Moloi’s use of the federation’s credit card between December and January 2023.

Minister McKenzie told SABC Sport that he would immediately launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of the ASA credit card by President Moloi and other ASA staff. 

Moloi, however, maintains that he has nothing to hide, claiming the funds were used to entertain clients in accordance with ASA’s policy.

“I don’t want to say much about the matter, but I fully welcome the investigation and have nothing to hide,” Moloi told SABC Sport. 

“Everything I did was in accordance with ASA policy. I used the credit card to entertain clients and support athletes. I voluntarily returned the card in February 2024 and haven’t used it since. I’m not concerned because I followed the proper procedures and did not use the funds for personal gain. I won’t be making any further comments on the issue.”

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The federation reportedly had two credit cards—used by Moloi and other staff members—with statements read in Parliament revealing transactions at taverns, Engen fuel stations, restaurants, and OR Tambo International Airport outlets, despite the federation being closed for the festive season.

 ASA acting CEO Terence Magogodela confirmed that the federation bought a new phone valued at R27,000 for President Moloi two months before the elections, following the loss of his previous device. 

Sports Minister McKenzie has pledged to probe all irregular spending over the past two years and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“There’s no way official meetings can be held in taverns—the music is loud, and it’s impossible to have a proper discussion in such an environment,” said Minister McKenzie.

“We are actively seeking sponsorships, yet ASA couldn’t even get athletes to Peru. Do you understand how bad that looks? I must commend the portfolio committee. Some athletes, including those in hockey and running, pay for themselves. Then we hear that the very body meant to support them is spending money at taverns. We will launch a full forensic investigation immediately. I personally raised millions for ASA—I picked up the phone and did it myself. But there is no excuse for this kind of behaviour. Don’t lie to the committee. I hope everything that was said here today is the truth,” McKenzie told SABC, visibly angry.

 When questioned in parliament about using the credit card at taverns, including in Vosloorus, ASA President James Moloi admitted to doing so, claiming it was to entertain clients and that he returned the card in February.

“I regularly meet with different people in various locations—these are individuals who offer to assist ASA.

 I want to clarify that I live in Vosloorus, where there aren’t many restaurants, so sometimes we meet in places like taverns or chisa nyamas at the client’s request,” Moloi explained.

 “When you meet with a client, you have to cover their expenses. I’ve also used the card to buy food at the airport for visiting guests and athletes and once bought Nando’s for athletes returning from a cross-country event. I meet people every day, mostly on weekends, and clients often ask me to buy them something. Some of that spending was at liquor stores, but not for my personal use."