The World Karate Federation (WKF) confirmed that Karate SA (KSA) retains its status as a full member of the global sports organization, despite the temporary suspension of the entire national executive committee's activities. Currently, KSA is managed by interim president Sean Ahmed.
Previously, IOL reported that the WKF had preliminarily suspended the activities of the KSA national executive committee, led by long-term president Sunny Pillay, and appointed an interim council until disciplinary proceedings are concluded. This suspension remains in effect.
However, in a letter addressed to the President of SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), Barry Hendrix, WKF President Antonio Espinosa clarified that this decision is directed against individuals, not against the federation itself. He emphasized that KSA's membership in the global organization has not been affected.
Espinosa wrote that the current procedures within the WKF Disciplinary and Legal Commission concern individual members of the National Executive Committee who have been temporarily removed from their managerial functions in KSA. He added that no sanctions have been imposed on KSA itself, and its status as a member of the affiliated National Federation remains unchanged.
This means that the federation as a structure maintains its place in the WKF, and its athletes retain the right to participate in international competitions; however, the suspended executive body does not have the authority to manage it. This letter followed a meeting between the WKF and Sascoc held on Tuesday.
Espinosa stated that KSA continues to be a legitimate member of the WKF and the Union of African Karate Federations (Ufak), and this position also applies at the Sascoc level. He referred to recent correspondence from Sascoc confirming that KSA is a 'recognized National Federation in good standing,' noting that this was reconfirmed by Sascoc at the Tuesday meeting. This step effectively precludes interpreting Sascoc's letters as support for the suspended leadership.
Espinosa specified that Ahmed, acting within his mandate and established deadlines, is responsible for managing KSA. The letter also paved the way for holding national championships this week, which the WKF considers crucial for maintaining the participation of South African athletes on the international stage. Espinosa stressed that the WKF's priority is ensuring the protection of karate athletes from South Africa through KSA and its interim president Sean Ahmed.
He reported that the interim committee possesses 'all necessary powers' to organize championships and register athletes entitled to wear national colors internationally according to Sascoc confirmation. The WKF Executive Committee decided on the temporary suspension of the KSA executive body on June 24, and the suspension letter was signed by Espinosa at the end of June.
The interim council is headed by Ahmed, and its members include François Bornmann, Themba Ndlovu, and Belinda Driscoll, with Morgan Moss appointed as technical coordinator, while an Sascoc representative has yet to be appointed. His 12-month mandate includes reviewing KSA rules and safety practices, as well as conducting new elections.
The suspended executive body of Pillay contests this decision. The law firm Deneys, representing KSA's interests, stated that the suspension letter 'does not disclose the grounds' for this decision and that no factual basis for any alleged violation was presented. The firm demanded the documents underlying the decision and stated that KSA reserves the right to appeal it and submit the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Espinosa assured that the WKF remains committed to working with Sascoc and the Ministry of Sport 'for the ultimate benefit of South African karate athletes.' A copy of the letter was sent to Ufak President Suleiman Gaye, the KSA interim council, and the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Khayelitsha Boxing Academy (KBA), a registered non-profit organization and amateur boxing gym located in Lingelethu West, combines boxing training with mentorship, academic support, and life skills education.
At the heart of Khayelitsha, the local boxing academy does more than just prepare young fighters. It helps children stay in school, using sport as a tool for education, instilling discipline, responsibility, and a sense of community in the boxers.
Olivia Jade Williams, KBA's chairperson, noted that they have created a space where athletes can calmly do their homework. She emphasized that the boxers from this space represent different segments of society, and the academy makes every effort to provide them with mentorship.
According to Williams, the academy has the advantage that most of its coaches and management members live nearby. Since they grew up in Khayelitsha, they possess firsthand experience in solving the various problems the community faces.
She also mentioned that the gym hosts boxers with a wide range of talents, including achievements in sports, academics, and other fields. Williams has repeatedly stressed the importance of education, asserting that boxers need not only physical activity but also personal development.
KBA assists boxers with paperwork for university or college admissions and helps them find employment when necessary. Williams added that the late coach Ayanda 'Ginger' Mapasa helped many boxers complete their university applications, many of whom later returned to KBA after finishing their studies.
Education is one of KBA's key objectives. For a long time, it has been customary at the academy for boxers to openly report their grades, and these reports are often shown to the coaches. Emphasis is then placed on completing homework before training.
Williams noted that some parents are very open about their children's academic difficulties and work together to find the most effective support methods. Usually, when a boxer is in Grade 12 (matriculation), they are not allowed to participate in competitions because the main focus is on completing the school year and submitting applications to educational institutions.
The chairperson also reported that boxers only withdraw due to external pressure in rare cases. The academy insists that giving in to peer pressure may seem like an easy way out now, but it is not a viable way to build a future.
KBA currently relies entirely on sponsorship. Many athletes come from disadvantaged or challenging circumstances and often view the gym as a place where they can feel free and focused while still being children.
Williams stated that their main goal right now is to continue creating a safe space for the athletes by raising funds for transporting boxers to tournaments, as well as for purchasing equipment and gear. Furthermore, the academy strives to provide additional study materials for boxers who use the space to do homework after school, and to provide them with meals when possible.
She constantly reminds the boxers to 'be proud of themselves.' People often feel pressure to meet others' expectations, which leads to disappointment from failing to achieve goals set by others. Williams highlighted the importance of motivating these athletes and explained that they need to compete their best, and even after a loss, they should be proud of their performance and that they did everything possible.
Williams expressed hope that the academy has had a deeper impact on the athletes' lives than the athletes have had on hers. She added that regardless of their difficult and complex backgrounds, these boxers consistently demonstrate resilience, courage, patience, empathy, and love. They taught her that despite any difficulties, they always enter any room with a smile on their face and rejoice in the opportunity to motivate their teammates. Williams concluded that the athletes are more than just boxers; they have become like her own children, and she involves them in all aspects of her life, often providing support 'outside the ring.'
Today, July 16, junior judo competitions are starting in Amman, the capital of Jordan, as part of the Asian Championship.
On the first day of the tournament, the most talented young judokas from twenty countries will take part. The fighting will take place in eight weight categories.
In the men's categories (-50, -55, -60, -66 kg) and women's categories (-40, -44, -48, -52 kg), young judokas, including Akbar Sharipov, Ma'murjon Abduvahobov, Bobur Yusupov, Davlatbek Ahrorov, Abubakr Sattorov, Akromjon Karimov, Irodu Sirojiddinov, Alina Kolyucheva, Dilafruz Boltaboyeva, Charos Hikmatov, Mohinur Ollaberganov, and Kumushbibi Ergashev, are vying for prize places in their respective weight groups.
The Asian Championship will last until July 17.
