Johannesburg – While he has not been invited to attend an Athletics SA (ASA) special general meeting this weekend, the federation's interim administrator, Zola Majavu, says he will not attempt to prevent it from taking place.
James Evans, who is recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as the president of ASA, but remains suspended by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), has called an SGM in Pretoria on Saturday, in a continued effort to regain control of the sport.
“When I met with the ASA provincial presidents in May, we agreed to call an SGM in the middle of July, in order to elect new leadership,” Majavu said on Friday.
“The meeting this weekend has been called by Mr Evans and I don't know any of the details, but if they proceed in this manner and hold a meeting, I cannot stop them.”
Majavu confirmed he was facing criminal charges, with Evans alleging the interim administrator had been appointed illegally by Sascoc, but said he would remain in the position until he was removed by the Olympic body or court order.
“I do not know Mr Evans, and he does not know me. I have no grudges against him.
“I was appointed by Sascoc, and if Mr Evans has a problem with my appointment, he must not take it up with me, he must take it up with the people who appointed me.
“I am a lawyer and I represent clients in court. I am also a director on other boards, but now criminal charges have been laid. You can imagine how that looks against me.
“I twice offered to step aside, voluntarily, but Sascoc has asked me to stay on.”
Majavu said he was frustrated after being caught in the middle of a dispute between ASA and Sascoc.
“I have made it clear to Sascoc that I am tired of the fighting, back and forth, with Mr Evans.
“I was appointed to do a job, but now I am caught up in this mess.”
Evans said in a statement on Friday that Sascoc had sent a letter to ASA members advising them not to attend this weekend's SGM.
“It is a grave concern that Sascoc has attempted to intimidate the members of ASA into not attending a meeting requested, in writing, by seven members of ASA, with the agenda proposed by them,” Evans said.
“The meeting has been called in full compliance with the constitution of ASA and with the knowledge and approval of the IAAF, and provides an opportunity for the members of the athletics family to sort out their own issues without outside interference, as the IAAF requires.”
The IAAF said this month ASA was in danger of being suspended, owing to outside interference, and it would send a delegation to South Africa if it believed the sport had come to a standstill, to assist in appointing an ad-hoc committee.
“A consequence of the IAAF terminating the membership of ASA will be that no athletes from South Africa will be permitted to compete internationally and no international athletes will be allowed to compete in South Africa,” Evans said.
“Events such as the Comrades and Two Oceans (marathons) will revert to being local races with no foreign competitors.
“If this happens, the blame must fall squarely on the shoulders of Sascoc for not heeding the warnings.” — Sapa