KZN Athletics President Mkasi suspended
The incident had attracted significant public attention and raised concerns about the organisation's governance and reputation.
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) has suspended its president, Steve Mkasi, pending the outcome of an independent disciplinary investigation into a physical altercation with an athlete that was captured on video.
The Executive Board announced the decision on Monday following extensive deliberations, saying the incident had attracted significant public attention and raised concerns about the organisation’s governance and reputation.
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KZNA general manager, Jessica Khomo, said the suspension was a precautionary measure and should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.
She said the decision was taken to safeguard the integrity and independence of the disciplinary process while ensuring that all parties are afforded procedural fairness.
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“KZNA will institute a formal disciplinary enquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any provisions of the organisation’s Constitution, Code of Conduct or governance framework were breached.
To ensure transparency and impartiality, the disciplinary process will be conducted by independent external parties.
An independent initiator will investigate the matter, formulate any applicable charges and present the case, while a senior advocate will chair the disciplinary hearing,” said Khomo in a statement.
She said the athlete involved in the altercation has been suspended from participating in athletics activities until the disciplinary process is concluded.
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During Mkasi’s suspension, KZNA Vice-President Khulezweni Buthelezi will serve as acting president.
“KZNA has informed Athletics South Africa of the incident and the steps taken, adding that the matter is being handled in line with its Constitution, principles of good governance, and due process.
The organisation will refrain from commenting further while the disciplinary proceedings are underway, and all parties will have the opportunity to present their cases through the prescribed disciplinary procedures,” she said.
