Cecilia Molokwane, president of Netball South Africa (NSA), has faced a series of allegations regarding mismanagement and unethical practices over the years. With her suspension by World Netball, the global governing body for the sport, the embattled leader now finds her position increasingly under scrutiny as she looks toward a potential re-election in 2025.
On Monday, April 21, NSA confirmed that Molokwane, who has led the organization since 2017, had been suspended by World Netball. Despite her successes, including bringing the Netball World Cup to Africa in 2023 and overseeing the Proteas’ fourth-place finish in the 2019 World Cup, her second term at the helm has been marked by controversy. The NSA acknowledged the suspension but refrained from commenting further, urging patience as discussions with World Netball continue.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Racism
Molokwane’s tenure has been riddled with allegations from within the NSA and the broader netball community. In 2023, former employees of the organization, including former vice-president Christine du Preez and ex-director of umpires Annie Kloppers, publicly accused her of racism, mismanagement, and interference in player selections. These allegations, which were part of an AfriForum documentary, paint a picture of a leader who is divisive and difficult to challenge within the organization.
Molokwane has consistently denied the accusations, suggesting that her critics are simply threatened by her success. “A dog will never bark at a stationary car. It barks at a moving car,” she once explained, implying that her critics are only targeting her because she is making progress. Despite her defiant stance, the suspension by World Netball has significantly impacted her credibility and position in the sport.
Reports of Disbanding Associations and Re-election Bid
The situation has only escalated in 2024, with reports emerging that Molokwane had been disbanding member associations she perceived as threats to her re-election bid. Though she denied these claims, her actions and decisions over the past year have fueled further speculation about her leadership.
As Molokwane sets her sights on a third term in office, the suspension from World Netball looms large. While she insists her commitment to the sport remains strong, the latest developments have placed a significant strain on her re-election campaign.
The Road Ahead for Cecilia Molokwane
With her reputation now tarnished and questions surrounding her leadership intensifying, the coming months will be pivotal for Molokwane’s future in South African netball. While she has enjoyed successes during her tenure, the controversies that have emerged could ultimately shape the outcome of her bid for a third term. The sport and its stakeholders will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
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