Why SAFA CEO quit…

SABC Sport broke the news following Motlanthe’s decision to walk away, and his leaked resignation letter alleges there was interference in his day-to-day duties during his spell as chief executive over the last two years. 

Motlanthe was in an acting role for eight months prior to his appointment. The letter seen by the public broadcaster’s sports desk claims the following: 

·      A violation of Motlanthe’s privacy after cameras were planted in his office and the CEO denied access to the tapes, which were given to SAFA Overberg president Tankiso Modipa.

·      Being overruled on the appointment of security companies at events, but expected to sign off

·      The flawed appointment process at SAFA

·      Not being in charge and feeling like a “glorified clerk”

·      Motlanthe felt his health was deteriorating

It’s emerged that the now former SAFA CEO also received a directive from the top that he should cut staff, and this is another contributing factor to his decision to hand in his resignation two days ago.

SABC Sport understands that the federations currently has around 60 employees, based on their organogram – including nine provincial secretaries in charge of the 52 regions around the country.

Motlanthe recently led the section 189 process which resulted in experienced administrators being retrenched at SAFA during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The last straw was when Motlanthe was told that he would have to cut the staff members by more than half. It was very difficult for him to accept that because he knows that most departments here at SAFA are suffering due to lack of numbers,” said a source close to Motlanthe.

SABC Sport reported just last week that Motlanthe had defended SAFA for having the all-important competitions office being run by only two people.

The imminent retrenchments would cripple the association and become the third time since president Danny Jordaan took over in 2013.

This would be a far cry from the world-class administration promised in their Vision 2022 document, which has been viewed by many in the football fraternity as a failure after Bafana Bafana did not qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.

As the SAFA Emergency Committee meets today to plot the way forward it remains to be seen who between Chief Operations Officer (COO) Lydia Monyepao, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Grony Hluyo or NEC member Mxolis Sibam, would get the nod as acting CEO.

Motlanthe recommended Monyepao to replace him if only to “save costs”, insisting that “it would not be ideal to go on a massive recruitment drive” as this would have both financial and legal implications.

The now former SAFA CEO was only two years into a five-year contract and has proposed a “voluntary separation agreement on a mutual separation”, and promised to sign a non-disclosure document if needed.

SAFA yesterday confirmed Motlanthe had resigned, but did not elaborate on the reasons why.

However, the statement issued insisted “the relationship between SAFA and Advocate Motlanthe remains cordial and there is no animosity between the two parties” as the association attempts to pick up the pieces. 

By: Mazola Molefe & Velile Mnyandu