SAFA NEC member Buddha Mathathe faces potential expulsion for violating the association’s communication code and bringing SAFA into disrepute.
Mathathe, who sits on the SAFA NEC as president of the South African Masters Legends FA (SALMA), has reportedly damaged the association’s reputation by publicly criticizing SAFA president Danny Jordaan. He accused Jordaan of violating SAFA statutes, allegedly causing the organization a R1.3 million loss.
SAFA’s communication code prohibits unauthorized members from speaking on behalf of the association. Mathathe’s unauthorized interviews, conducted with various radio stations and websites, are considered a breach of this code and have allegedly brought both the association and its president into disrepute. He specifically made accusations against Jordaan and SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao.
In these interviews, Mathathe is said to have called for Jordaan’s exclusion from the Ordinary NEC Meeting on 24 January, citing pending fraud and theft cases against the SAFA president. Mathathe reportedly suggested that PSL chairman Irvin Khoza should temporarily take over leadership.
Despite Mathathe’s calls, Jordaan chaired the meeting. Sources told Sportswire that significant infighting occurred during the meeting, although SAFA officially declared it a success.
Jordaan has been accused of using SAFA funds to pay PR firm Grit Communications to manage media narratives amid scandals and damaging allegations, including rape accusations. Jordaan, along with former journalist and businessman Trevor Neethling and SAFA CFO Gronie Hluyo, appeared in court in connection with these allegations. Mathathe’s calls for Jordaan to step aside stemmed from these legal proceedings.
While the charges against Jordaan have been dropped, he and his co-accused will return to court in August on fraud charges. Mathathe’s public pronouncements, made before Jordaan was found guilty of any wrongdoing, have placed his position in jeopardy.
His situation is further complicated by the fact that he is not an elected NEC member, but holds his position by virtue of being president of a special member association.
While Sportswire has learned that SAFA may not hold an Ordinary Congress until April, Mathathe’s potential expulsion could be on the agenda then.
When contacted by Sportswire for comment on Mathathe’s statements and their potential consequences, SAFA CEO Monyepao stated: “I can’t comment when it comes to the NEC members. Remember, I answer to the NEC members, they are my bosses so I can’t say what should happen, or what is going to happen. That matter is for the NEC to decide; it is not for me. You could try the president but he would also tell you it is the NEC’s decision and not his.”
Other SAFA members, including Gladwin White and Monde Montshiwa, are also reportedly facing potential disciplinary action for allegedly bringing SAFA and Jordaan into disrepute. Montshiwa has reportedly softened his stance, which may spare him from expulsion.
Even if Jordaan’s case works against him as Mathathe wishes, Dr Khoza cannot take over even though he is SAFA’s VP. Khoza is VP of SAFA due to being the chairman of the PSL, SAFA’s professional wing. He was not elected to be a VP, just like Mathathe being the NEC. The person who might take over if comes to Jordaan stepping aside is Anastasia Tsichlas or Linda Zwane.
