Taverns, Takeaways and Transparency: ASA Boss Responds to Forensic Probe into Spending

Athletics South Africa (ASA) is under the microscope, and President James Moloi says he’s ready for it. Following a fiery parliamentary hearing, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has launched a forensic investigation into the federation’s credit card spending — a move that Moloi says he supports.

Red Flags and Receipts

The probe follows concerns raised in Parliament this week over spending linked to Moloi and other ASA staff between December 2023 and January 2024. During that period, the federation was technically on holiday recess — yet card transactions reportedly continued at petrol stations, restaurants, airport food outlets and even taverns.

Moloi, who has helmed ASA since 2021, claims he has “nothing to hide” and that every swipe was made in line with ASA’s internal policies.

“I used the credit card to entertain clients and support athletes,” he said. “There was no personal benefit. I returned the card in February 2024 and haven’t used it since.”

Despite the confidence, the details aired in Parliament raised eyebrows. Some of the purchases included transactions at liquor stores and entertainment venues. ASA also spent R27,000 on a new phone for Moloi just two months before national elections.

A Minister on a Mission

Minister McKenzie, known for his outspoken approach, didn’t mince words.

“There’s no way official meetings are happening in taverns,” he said. “You can’t have a serious conversation over loud music and booze.”

McKenzie, who took office earlier this year, said he’s committed to cleaning up the sports portfolio. He slammed the contrast between ASA’s financial behaviour and its ongoing funding issues — such as the inability to send athletes to international competitions like Peru’s recent championships.

“How can the very organisation meant to support athletes be out here spending money like this?” he asked. “Some athletes pay their own way to events while ASA swipes cards at liquor stores.”

Vosloorus, Chisa Nyamas and Blurred Lines

In Parliament, Moloi admitted to some of the transactions, including those at taverns in his hometown of Vosloorus. But he argued that it’s a matter of context — and culture.

“There aren’t many restaurants in Vosloorus,” he explained. “Sometimes meetings happen at a chisa nyama or tavern because that’s where the client is comfortable. It’s part of the culture in some communities.”

Moloi also said he regularly entertains people who offer help to ASA, covering meals and small expenses — even buying Nando’s for returning athletes after a cross-country event.

While that may strike some as justifiable hospitality, it doesn’t sit well with the public — especially given ASA’s tight financial situation and ongoing struggle for corporate sponsorship.

The Bigger Picture: Sport’s Accountability Moment

South African sport has long battled a reputation for mismanagement and underfunding. From struggling Olympic codes to school-level neglect, accountability has often been the missing piece. Minister McKenzie’s investigation signals a shift — and possibly a warning shot to other federations.

Public sentiment on social media has been sharply divided. Some have called the minister’s action “long overdue,” while others say tavern meetings are simply “part of doing business” in township settings. But one thing is clear: the days of unexamined credit card slips may be coming to an end.

For now, ASA insists everything was above board. But as the forensic audit gets underway, the federation’s financial culture will be laid bare — and whether it’s about missteps or misunderstood methods, answers will be expected.

Source:Sabc Sport

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com