Tokozile Xasa is the new Minister of Sport and Recreation.

Tokozile Xasa, Minister of Sport and Recreation. (Photo - Twitter)

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) welcomes thee appointment of Tokozile Xasa as South Africa's new Minister of Sport and Recreation.

The appointment came after South African president Cyril Ramaphosa announced his first cabinet reshuffle on Monday, 26 February 2018.

Tokozile Xasa replaces Thulas Nxesi, who served in the position from 31 March 2017 and  who initiated the Zulman Commission of Inquiry into maladministration at SASCOC.

Xasa, the former Minister of Tourism, holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Fort Hare, a BA degree from the University of Transkei and a BA Honours degree from the University of Fort Hare, and has been a Member of Parliament since May 2009.

Sports Minister, Thulas Nxesi does the right thing.

Mr Thulas Nxesi (Appointed Minister of Sport and Recreation
on 31 March 2017) Photograph courtesy of SRSA.

Over the past number of years, it has long been my opinion that not all is right with SASCOC.

There are a number of issues that have surfaced time-and-time again which a number of both the Board and member federations of SASCOC have seemed to turn a blind eye.

As as result, anyone (individuals and federations) who has raised such issues has seemingly been dealt with quite harshly by SASCOC even though such actions by SASCOC may appear not to be in line with current legislation.

Thus, it is no surprise to me to see the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr. Thulas Nxesi, announce on Wednesday, 23 August 2017 that a ministerial committee of inquiry will delve into a wide range of allegations of maladministration at the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

According to Jan Gerber of News24, "He said the inquiry into Sascoc was in response to numerous and serious allegations of poor governance, financial mismanagement and non-adherence to the Sascoc constitution, and the Sascoc board’s failure to respond to these matters.

Some of these matters had been reported in the media, and others were directed to his office from individual board members, federations and aggrieved individual."

Minister Thulas Nexesi stated, "In the light of these serious allegations, I have decided to appoint a committee of inquiry – consisting of a retired judge, two additional members and a team leader for leading evidence."

Director General of Sport and Recreation Alec Moemi said, if there was "internal wrangling" at Sascoc, it could affect the preparations for next year’s Commonwealth Games, to held on Australia’s Gold Coast. 

This is indeed not a sprint, it is a marathon, and no doubt, a lot will come out in the months ahead.