Suspension of president throws Netball South Africa a curveball

World Netball's suspension of Cecilia Molokwane has left the local federation in turmoil. With NSA's elections approaching, it faces several challenges, including upholding the integrity of the process.

- By Yanga Sibembe

Netball players suffer the consequences of the instability in the sport's administration.

(Photo: Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Her detractors would have been pleased to see World Netball make a move against Netball South Africa (NSA) president Cecilia Molokwane. But they would not have anticipated the quagmire the federation finds itself in as a consequence.

In April, NSA confirmed the suspension of its president by World Netball, the global governing body of the sport. World Netball did not disclose the basis of Molokwane's suspension.

Although it refused to delve into the merits of the matter, the global federation told Daily Maverick that the allegations against Molokwane had passed the test of a preliminary hearing. The next step was a disciplinary hearing.

"The findings of the disciplinary investigation have been passed on to an independent arbitration service, who is now in the process of convening a disciplinary hearing," World Netball said.

"To maintain confidentiality and ensure the integrity of the disciplinary hearing, in line with World Netball disciplinary regulations, no further statement will be made by World Netball at this stage."

The hope is that the disciplinary hearing will be concluded by the end of 2025. But even if it is, there is a possibility that a final ruling may only be made in early 2026.

In the event that everything is somehow resolved by the end of this year, there is a high possibility of Molokwane challenging the outcome legally if it does not favour her.

The process has consequently raised a number of questions before NSA's upcoming elections, which are set for 25 October.

Will they take place? Will the technical exclusion of Molokwane affect the integrity of the process, especially if the allegations against her do not stick?