KZN Athletics president apologises for physical altercation with athlete
Mkasi said the incident was unrelated to athletics but admitted that his actions had damaged the image of the sport.
Suspended KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) president Steve Mkasi has apologised for what he described as a “serious lapse in judgement” after he was captured on video in a physical altercation with an athlete.
Mkasi said he deeply regrets allowing his personal conduct to overshadow the sport after the video went viral on Facebook on Monday evening.
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The video also led to KZNA suspending him from his duties pending the outcome of an independent disciplinary investigation into the incident.
He told The Witness the altercation between him and Sphephelo Ndlovu, a member of Amaravens Athletics Club, took place in Morningside, Durban.
Mkasi said the altercation followed reports that Ndlovu had posted “critical” information about him on social media.
It is unclear what Ndlovu posted.
What occurred was a serious lapse in judgement on my part. I found myself in a confrontation that escalated into a physical tussle. I was wrong to engage in that manner.
“I am making no excuses for my behaviour,” he said.
Mkasi said the incident was unrelated to athletics but admitted that his actions had damaged the image of the sport.
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“I deeply regret that my personal conduct has now become a distraction for the sport and the province, and I offered to step aside pending internal processes.”
He said he met the athlete later that evening, and the pair apologised to each other and reconciled.
“That reconciliation is important to me, but it does not absolve me of my public responsibility. I accept that my position requires a higher standard of conduct.
“I am committed to ensuring this never happens again. I am sorry to the athletics community, to KZN Athletics, and to everyone who has been affected by my actions,” he said.
Attempts to obtain comment from Ndlovu were unsuccessful.
A man who confirmed he was an Amaravens spokesperson, but identified himself only as Mthoko, said the club was not ready to comment on KZNA’s decision to suspend Ndlovu from sporting activities.
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“We are not allowed to comment on the matter for now, but we will release a statement today [Wednesday],” he said.
On Monday, KZNA’s executive board announced that Mkasi would step aside with immediate effect while an independent disciplinary process investigates the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
KZNA general manager Jessica Khomo said the suspension was a precautionary measure and should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.
“The measure is intended to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and ensure that the proceedings are conducted independently and without any perception of influence,” she said.
Khomo said an independent disciplinary inquiry would determine whether Mkasi’s conduct breached the federation’s constitution, code of conduct or governance provisions.
An independent initiator will investigate the matter, formulate any charges and present the case, while a senior advocate will preside over the hearing to ensure fairness and impartiality.
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The athlete involved in the altercation has also been suspended from participating in athletics until the disciplinary process has concluded.
Khomo said Athletics South Africa had been informed of the incident and the action taken by KZNA.
She said the organisation would not comment further while the disciplinary proceedings are under way and that both parties would be allowed to present their cases through the prescribed disciplinary process.
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics vice-president Khulezweni Buthelezi will serve as acting president for the duration of Mkasi’s suspension.
