Mbalula averts SASCOC war

Johannesburg - Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has finally intervened in the "cold war" that is developing between the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and its board members ahead of the SASCOC elections set for November, reports Sowetan.

Mbalula has called for an end to the continuing public spats between the leaders in SASCOC and its member federations.

There have also been serious accusations and counter-accusations levelled against certain SASCOC board members.

In addition, certain SASCOC bosses are alleged to be using Lotto funds to win the support of various federations to remain on the board, which is reported to be divided along racial lines.

Mbalula is planning to meet the SASCOC leadership on February 7 to get to the bottom of the challenges facing the Olympic body, according to his spokesperson Paena Galane.

"The public spat and mudslinging is underscored by serious accusations and counter-accusations, succession conspiracy theories, innuendos and alleged factionalism within SASCOC," Galane said.

"It has come to the minister's notice that certain federations whose administrations were subjects of future possible investigations have also entered the fray."

He spoke of a concerted campaign orchestrated by "elements in SASCOC seeking to discredit serving president Gideon Sam" so that he is not eligible for election. Mbalula urged Sam and CEO Tubby Reddy to show leadership and resist the temptation to discuss board matters in public.