October 30, 10:00IOL

Appeal Against SARU's Decision on WP Rugby Management and Challenge to Newlands Stadium Sale

The legal dispute over the future of the historic Newlands stadium in Cape Town has intensified. The African Restoration Alliance (ARA) has approached the High Court of the Western Cape demanding the annulment of the South African Rugby Union's (SARU) decision to place the Western Provincial Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) under administration and to prohibit any sale of the stadium land.

ARA is asking the court to declare SARU's decision to place WPRFU under management illegal and to forbid any attempts to realize this territory.

ARA leader, Dr. Jerome Swartes, stated that they intervened because other political forces were ignoring grassroots rugby. He noted that WPRFU was also placed under administration, and they wanted to find out the reason for this.

Swartes added that, in his view, Newlands stadium should serve local rugby communities, rather than being viewed primarily as a commercial asset. He insists that the stadium must be returned to the public, and groups like their own should support it to keep it open to everyone, not just a few capitalists seeking profit.

A decision on this matter has been left for consideration.

SARU Defends Its Intervention Decision

In its written response, SARU explained that the decision to place WPRFU under administration was made amid concerns about management issues within the union. SARU referred to former WPRFU president Zelt Maris, who, according to SARU, acknowledged the existence of 'clear administrative problems in the WP Rugby Union' at that time.

It was read in court that SARU's intervention, based on Clause 29.5, was perceived by Maris as a 'blessing in disguise' to provide stability to the struggling Executive Committee of the WP Rugby Union. Although Maris claimed there were no legal grounds to apply clause 29.5, he also reported that the WP Rugby Union was facing 'minor financial difficulties' and 'short-term financial problems.'

SARU also refuted ARA's claims that the administration suppressed rugby growth in the Western Cape, calling the assertion vague and speculative.

Community Expresses Concerns Over Newlands Land

The union argued that the applicants failed to specify concrete instances where the administration restricted rugby development or demonstrate that the alleged long-term negative consequences had already materialized. SARU also emphasized that the proposed sale of the land remained only a proposal, and ownership had not been sold.

Meanwhile, Ward Councillor 59 Michael Manuel reported that residents are concerned about safety risks at the Newlands stadium site. He noted: 'The uncertainty regarding the future of Newlands stadium is a serious concern for the surrounding community. We have already seen incidents such as cable theft when criminals gained access via the railway line. There is an urgent need to resolve outstanding issues related to the sale and development of the stadium, as well as ensure the priority of safety and protection of the surrounding area.'

Rugby Stakeholders Call for Stability

Former WPRFU executive committee member Junayd Moerat called for calm. He believes that everyone who cares about Western Province rugby wants to see stability and a sustainable future for the union, not another prolonged period of uncertainty. Moerat stated that decisions concerning the union's assets must be made responsibly, with a clear understanding of both the financial implications and the long-term interests of the union. He expressed hope that through constructive engagement, transparency, and a willingness to find common ground, all parties can work towards resolving the situation, avoiding further disruptions to the game.

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iol.co.zaOctober 20, 08:00

Threat of Global Suspension of ASA Activities Due to Management Issues Jeopardizes South African Athletes

South African athletics is on the cusp of a new bright period, supported by a stream of young talents regularly winning medals at junior and senior championships, as well as setting new world records.

However, while this promising generation establishes itself, the Athletics South Africa (ASA) faces the threat of international isolation. The root of this problem lies in the suspension of President James Moloi's powers and systemic management failures that have led to a harsh ultimatum from World Athletics.

This mandate could halt the development of athletics in the country before the current momentum gains traction. The contrast between track results and leadership conduct could not have been more evident.

The historic silver medal in the 4x100m race at the Paris Olympics, secured by young athlete Bayanda Walaza and veteran participant Akani Simbin, marked the arrival of a new powerful era in South African sprinting. Walaza subsequently demonstrated his world-class level by winning double gold in the 100m and 200m races at the World Athletics Junior Championships in Lima.

Continuing to gain momentum, middle-distance specialist Sinesifo Dambile and outstanding 400m runner Zakiti Nene continue to deliver world-class performances on the international stage. In middle distances, 800m indoor world champion Prudence Sekgodiso has firmly established herself among the global elite. On track distances, Tyla Kavanagh recently set a record in Romania, running 30:50 and breaking the national record in the 10km, becoming the first South African woman to run under 31 minutes.

Failures in Administrative Management

Nevertheless, this emerging era is overshadowed by administrative failures. Following an official directive from Monaco, World Athletics demanded the immediate removal of Moloi and presented a nine-month plan for reforming the federation's statutes.

Crucially, the global body warned that failure to implement these fundamental governance reforms within six months would lead to temporary suspension under Article 13. Article 13 of the World Athletics Statutes grants the global governing body the right to suspend member federations that fail to adhere to proper governance, integrity, or constitutional standards.

Suspension under Article 13 voids the federation's international rights, prohibiting its athletes from competing, earning ranking points, or setting recognized records. If the suspension is activated, the consequences for South African athletics will be immediate and catastrophic.

The ban will deprive local athletes of the right to national selection, representing the flag, recognition of official records, and world ranking points. It will exclude South Africa's top talents from the World Athletics Championships in Beijing in 2027 and freeze their path to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

At the center of the dispute is Moloi, who was suspended in October 2025 following a forensic audit conducted by Forvis Mazars, one of the leading global auditing and consulting networks. The audit revealed systematic misuse of the ASA corporate credit card in 399 transactions between May 2023 and April 2024.

The audit detailed over 300,000 rands in unauthorized expenses and breaches of monthly limits in nine out of twelve months, citing purchases of personal clothing, ATM cash withdrawals, and unexplained hospitality receipts. The investigation, led by the head of South African athletics Zahele Dlamini, followed independent disciplinary hearings chaired by former judge Bashir Wagla, which found Moloi guilty of financial misconduct and recommended his immediate removal.

World Athletics subsequently approved the findings of the Wagla commission, instructing ASA to immediately dismiss Moloi. In addition to the president's removal, the nine-month plan requires ASA to rewrite its statutes, restore decision-making powers to its High Council, eliminate provincial voting conflicts, establish strict term limits, and mandate that the council include representatives from both women and active athletes.

While athletes continue to usher in a new bright era through dedicated training and world-class performances, management issues must not be allowed to derail their progress. The ASA Executive Committee has a clear duty to act decisively and fully implement the required reforms.

uzdaily.uzOctober 18, 10:45

Governor of Fergana Region Discussed Creation of New Airline with Kam Air

The Governor of the Fergana Region, Khayrullo Bozorov, held discussions with Omar Mohammed Suleiman, the head of the Afghan company Kam Air, regarding the preparation of a project for launching a new international flight in the region.

According to the administration of the Fergana Region, the parties reviewed the current progress on the previously proposed initiative, organizational aspects, and further steps for its practical implementation. During the meeting, the need to expand economic cooperation between the Fergana Region and Afghanistan was also emphasized.

Participants exchanged views on the possibilities of developing this project and the importance of a comprehensive assessment of the conditions for its introduction. Special attention was paid to organizing operations in accordance with international standards, as well as establishing interaction with relevant organizations and specialists.

Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their intention to continue supporting the measures necessary for implementing the investment project and outlined subsequent stages of work.