Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Tsepo Mhlongo MP
The DA has launched a petition calling for the immediate suspension of the South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan and SAFA CFO Mr Gronie Hluyo, pending the outcome of ongoing criminal investigations against them.
A highly detailed audit report has revealed instances of financial mismanagement and potential corruption at the embattled SAFA.
Backed by 10 000 concerned citizens who have signed the petition, we call on Parliament to launch a fully independent forensic investigation to scrutinise the financial affairs of SAFA and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust.
The Legacy Trust, established in 2011 with a $100-million pledge from FIFA after South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, was intended to be a self-sustaining source of funding for football development.
The Trust received around R450 million in 2011 and 2012, with the goal of investing the generated interest to fund football development programmes.
Over the years, the Legacy Trust received around R160 million in interest but paid out nearly R547 million in grants. What’s more alarming is that by February 2018, there were discussions about winding up the trust due to its near-depleted state.
By the end of 2021, less than R5 million remained, supposedly utilised to “wind up the trust.” This raises the critical question: Where did the money go?
We urge the Honourable Speaker of Parliament to act swiftly to avoid the SAFA ship from sinking any deeper.
Be part of the mission to rescue South Africa, get help registering to vote at check.da.org.za