John Mathane quits as ASA acting president

SABC Sport can confirm that Mathane has stepped down as acting president, deputy president and a member of the ASA board, just 18 months after joining the federation’s leadership structure.

In an emotional resignation letter dated 11 November 2026 and addressed to ASA CEO Terence Magogodela, Mathane explained that his decision was driven by growing frustrations with the federation’s leadership, governance and internal working relationships.

The Gauteng Athletics North (AGN) president did not mince his words, suggesting that the environment within ASA had become increasingly difficult to work in.

Mathane said he had served the federation with commitment and a genuine desire to help develop athletics in the country, but felt that the organisation had moved away from the principles he believed in.

"This has not been an easy decision. I have served Athletics South Africa with commitment, dedication and a genuine belief in the development and advancement of athletics in our country," Mathane wrote.

"Regrettably, the prevailing environment within ASA has reached a point where these fundamental principles are no longer consistently reflected in the conduct and decisions of those entrusted with the leadership and administration of the organisation."

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He outlined five key reasons for his departure, including a breakdown of trust, a lack of competence and accountability, governance failures, damage to the federation's institutional integrity and irreconcilable differences over leadership.

Mathane also made it clear that he was no longer prepared to occupy leadership positions simply for the sake of holding a title when the necessary support and cooperation were missing.

"I refuse to remain in positions of responsibility merely for the sake of titles or positions when the necessary confidence, cooperation and institutional respect required to execute those responsibilities have been fundamentally compromised," he added.

His resignation comes at a difficult time for ASA, which is still dealing with the fallout from the removal of president James Moloi from his position and the board last month.

The latest development follows a tense board meeting at which Mathane reportedly walked out. 

Board member and Track and Field Commission chairperson Jean Verster was subsequently appointed as temporary acting president until the end of November.

Mathane's departure leaves another major gap in the federation's leadership structure, with ASA now also without an official deputy president.

His exit follows his suspension over allegations that he used federation funds to attend the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in the United States without approval. 

He reportedly refused to repay the money.

Despite his decision to walk away, Mathane has stressed that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing or an acceptance of any disputed decisions concerning his time at ASA.

He has urged the federation to reflect on its leadership, restore trust and put the interests of athletes and the sport ahead of individual ambitions.

ASA CEO Terence Magogodela declined to comment on the matter.