On October 25, 2025, Netball South Africa elected Mami Diale as its new president, replacing the suspended Cecilia Molokwane amid allegations of financial misconduct. On the same day, Athletics South Africa's board suspended its president, James Moloi, over similar accusations of misusing federation funds. Both cases highlight ongoing governance challenges in South African sports administration.
The leadership shake-up in South African netball came during Netball South Africa's quadrennial elections on October 25, 2025, at the Garden Court Hotel near OR Tambo International Airport. Former vice-president Mami Diale was elected to replace Cecilia Molokwane, who had been suspended by World Netball pending an investigation into her conduct. Molokwane faces allegations of plundering NSA funds for personal benefit and has accused World Netball of strategically suspending her to bar her from re-election for a third term.
Diale expressed optimism for the future, stating, “Now that the elections are concluded, the real work begins. I have full confidence that the new leadership of Netball South Africa is ready and capable to continue with the business of the day and the work that lies ahead.” She emphasized the need for “restoration, rebuilding and renewal,” adding, “We must be intentional about doing the right thing, safeguarding our sport and reclaiming its dignity.”
Simultaneously, Athletics South Africa's board met at the same venue to address findings from a South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee investigation into president James Moloi. Moloi stands accused of using an ASA-issued credit card for personal expenses, including at entertainment venues and to fly girlfriends to international events. These claims first emerged during ASA's June 2025 appearance before the Sports, Arts and Culture parliamentary portfolio committee, where Moloi denied wrongdoing, claiming the spending entertained potential partners.
The board served Moloi a letter requiring him to show cause against suspension by October 31, 2025, or face permanent removal. Deputy president John Mathane was appointed acting president in the interim. A disciplinary committee will also probe acting CEO Terrence Magogodela and finance manager Mphoase Shembeni. Magogodela previously settled with the Special Investigating Unit for R388,733 over misused National Lotteries Commission funds, a move criticized by Economic Freedom Fighters MP Eugene Mthethwa as an “admission of guilt.”
If vindicated, Molokwane could challenge the NSA elections in court, prolonging uncertainty in both federations.