Sam Ramsamy on what makes good leaders in South African sport

The former chairman of the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee has urged young sports leaders to stay true to these values and always put the development of sport first.

As he celebrates his 88th birthday, Ramsamy remains passionate about sports leadership and has shared some of the values he believes are key to becoming a good leader.

"I think commitment and transparency is really important, and we have many federations committed to these two principles, but now there seems to be conflicts of interest and a general lack of a genuine commitment to sport."

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The honorary South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) president says his biggest wish is for sports administrators to put athletes first and make their interests the priority.

Ramsamy also says his position as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prevents him from commenting on the current state of leadership at SASCOC or other sporting federations. 

He is often called upon by the IOC to help mediate disputes, making it important for him to remain neutral.

"It's not fair for me to make a judgement now because if I say anything now it might be misinterpreted."