Netball South Africa (NSA) president, Cecilia Molokwane.
The 2023 Netball World Cup, the first-ever to be held on the African continent might have come and gone, but Netball South Africa (NSA) president, Cecilia Molokwane still has some cases to answer.
Notwithstanding her tireless efforts to make the flagship tourney a resounding success, Molokwane has to bear the brunt of attack from some quarters of society.
Since 08 March 2019, the day on which the international Netball Federation announced that Cape Town will host to this event, Molokwane has been on a whirlwind tour of the globe, ensuring that Africa does its utmost best as a host continent.
However, her absenteeism from work at Polokwane local municipality in Limpopo has aggravated opposition parties in the council.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) was the first to fire the opening salvo charging that Molokwane’s truancy was disregard of duty as a municipal employee.
Molokwane is Asassistant Manager in the Sport and Recreation department.
In a statement written by councillor, Androe Botha, the DA said it will write to the Auditor-General to flag the 212 special leave days with full pay that was granted to Molokwane during the period 1 January 2019 to 4 March 2023.
“A report, confirming these details, was presented during a council sitting on 28 July following written questions by the DA. Since 4 January 2019 to 4 March 2023, council approved 212 special leave days with full pay for Ms. Molokwane; 118 days were utilised in 2019, 18 days in 2020, 56 days in 2021, 10 days in 2022, and 10 days in 2023. Council further granted approval for special leave with full pay from 28 July until 6 August 2023, accounting for another six days in 2023. In addition to her municipal salary and benefits, Ms. Molokwane receives a monthly allowance of R23 247.21 from Netball South Africa. “The collective agreement on Conditions of Service for the Limpopo division of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) stipulates that special leave with full pay for ad hoc instances to partake in a bona fide sports activity at provincial and higher levels, will not exceed 3 working days” Botha wrote.
He went on to say “We will further request the SALGABC to investigate and keep Ms. Molokwane financially liable for all funds she irregularly received. It is clear that the ruling party treats some officials more equal than others; something the DA will not tolerate.”
Meanwhile, a former vice-president of Netball South Africa and a former umpire, have accused Molokwane of misdemeanours.
A series of allegations aimed at Molokwane were brought to light in a documentary complied by civil rights group AfriForum recently.
In a statement to accompany the YouTube video, AfriForum said: “Netball is one of the sports in South Africa that has incredible potential, but due to mismanagement and political agendas, this potential is not being fully exploited.”
Some of the allegations levelled against Molokwane include racism, mismanagement and interference when it comes to selections.
“Cecilia is a very vibrant person. She likes to be the centre of attraction. If you are in her camp, all is well. But if you’re not, you get to see the other side of Cecilia Molokwane,” said former vice-president of NSA Christine du Preez in the 20-minute film.
“She calls herself ‘The Chosen One’. I want to rename her ‘The Untouchable One’. Because things are happening and everything gets swept under the carpet. And she’s still cruising,” Du Preez added.