'Chuene caused Caster crisis'
A REPORT from the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee accuses suspended athletics president Leonard Chuene of "gross misconduct" - by allowing top athlete Caster Semenya to compete in last year's world championships in Berlin.
The report into the finances of Athletics South Africa and its handling of Semenya says Chuene ignored professional advice that Semenya be withdrawn from the championships.
Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, who presented the report to a parliamentary committee yesterday, says "they (Sascoc) accuse him (Chuene) of gross misconduct as well as bringing ASA and the sport of athletics ... into disrepute. He must face disciplinary hearings".
Semenya underwent gender tests at the world championships, where she won the 800m title, and did not compete again for 11 months until she was recently cleared by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
Meanwhile, Sascoc has refused to appear before Parliament to answer questions on the findings of a forensic report into the finances of ASA and its handling of the Semenya affair.
Parliamentary sports committee chairperson Butana Komphela said yesterday that Sascoc had "snubbed" the committee and shown "arrogance" in its refusal to appear in Parliament.
"The only difference we have with Sascoc now is their arrogance.
"Previous requests we sent to them were that they must come and present the issue of Caster Semenya.
"Their issue is forensic audit, but our issue is what led to the . audit and that is the debacle of Semenya.
"We will see at the end of the day who is going to be the winner and loser on this issue."
Sascoc president Gideon Sam sent a letter to the committee yesterday saying that the body would not present the forensic audit into the finances of ASA.
Sascoc said in August that it had laid charges against certain individuals from ASA as recommended in the forensic report.
Eight ASA board members, including its president Chuene, were suspended last November before the audit was completed.
The audit has reportedly uncovered poor corporate governance, alleged misappropriation of funds and tax evasion.
Komphela said the normal "process" would be to approach the Speaker of the National Assembly about issuing a warrant of arrest for Sascoc. "We have taken a clear resolution in summonsing Sascoc."
"When summonses have been served and you ignore or you defy the summonses, then it triggers a warrant of arrest for contempt."
Sascoc was not available for comment.
MAKABAZA
@1MALESIA I'VE READ IT BEFORE AND WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP, SINCE NOVEMBER!Report Abuse
Makhosini
Guys. Robert Marawa discussed the issue last night and it was like a war between Sascoc and Butana Khompela. It emerged that Sascob did not want to appear before parliament because it says the Casta Semenya and Leanard Chuene's matters are sub judice and as a result, we were told that it will be receiving subpoenas from Parliament today. I am not sure, but if you go to metro fm website, maybe you can listen to the podcast.Report Abuse
TshamulungwiBoy
I think what chuene did was in the best interest of semenya. where is the medal now? how can you take that young gal 2 berlin an say you're not going to run. what it is she doing now "running" it was her opportunity that time. haibo these ppl they don't want progress, if their hands are clean why are they running away.Report Abuse
Torso
What would have happened if Caster didnt run in Berlin I wonder. Where would her career be?Report Abuse
Kingkaizer
The IAAF has ruled that Caster can compete. So, why do they have to charge Chuene?Report Abuse
Gambler
This matter should be laid to rest,Caster went trough hell and she does not want to be reminded.Report Abuse