Suspended Netball South Africa (NSA) president Cecilia Molokwane has broken her silence six months after World Netball (WN) imposed a suspension over allegations of financial misconduct and staff intimidation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With only a week left before NSA’s pivotal presidential elections—an event she’s barred from—Molokwane took the stage in Polokwane on Thursday, forcefully accusing senior NSA officials of colluding with WN to damage her reputation and block her re-election.
“This is a calculated attempt to block me from the elections,” Molokwane asserted. “I’ve stayed silent for too long, but silence will not protect the truth. I called this press briefing to demand fairness and transparency. I deliberately waited until the Telkom Netball League and the Under-21 World Cup concluded because I did not want to harm the sport I love.”
Allegations and Denials
Molokwane, who successfully oversaw South Africa’s hosting of the 2023 Netball World Cup, claims she has been the target of a smear campaign involving WN, SASCOC, and certain NSA insiders. She disclosed that she first learned about her suspension via email from WN and subsequently stepped down from her role as a WN director.
The allegations against her include misappropriating millions in NSA funds — including World Cup-related finances — and intimidating staff members. Molokwane categorically denies all claims.
“The council could have addressed these matters internally,” she said. “I referred the allegations to NSA’s legal team, who found no evidence against me. I don’t even control the federation’s finances. On 6 September, I was accused of misusing R19 million and staying in hotels 157 times — every trip was approved by the CEO. Living in Polokwane, three hours from Johannesburg, attending meetings required travel. That was not misconduct.”
Finances and Leadership Under Scrutiny
Molokwane emphasised that independent auditors review NSA’s finances and the relevant authorities approve them. She said people have misrepresented her strong leadership style as intimidation.
“My commitment to netball is being misunderstood as bullying. There is no proof of financial wrongdoing. Internal disciplinary procedures were ignored, and I’ve been sidelined for six months without a hearing,” she explained.
SASCOC Involvement Questioned
The embattled administrator also took aim at SASCOC president Barry Hendricks, accusing him of improperly removing her name from the official list of federation presidents and meddling in NSA affairs.
“SASCOC took my name off the list without following due process. Does that automatically mean I am no longer NSA president? I am innocent until proven guilty. I was originally listed as eligible for the elections, but suddenly I was excluded. Hendricks even said publicly that my matter would be resolved in seven weeks — yet no update has been provided.”
Determined to Clear Her Name
Although NSA excluded her from the upcoming elections, Molokwane vowed to fight on to clear her name and expose what she calls “internal sabotage” and “unfair treatment” within the organisation.
“I have dedicated my life to this sport, and I refuse to let false accusations overshadow my legacy. I will not step aside quietly,” she concluded, signalling that her battle to reclaim her reputation is far from over.
Related article: How to Sign Up for Action Sports in Gauteng
