The South African Football Association (SAFA) National Elective Congress in Midrand was plunged into a tense, two-hour standoff on Saturday morning as presidential challenger Sandile Zungu’s camp fought for suspended regions to be allowed to vote, Sportswire has learnt.
Zungu, who has maintained throughout his campaign that he will win the presidency by a landslide, argued that delegates from disputed regions should be granted voting rights despite ongoing internal governance issues.
However, representatives aligned with incumbent SAFA President Danny Jordaan pushed back, insisting that suspended regions remain barred from casting ballots.
The voting rights debate carries massive stakes for the presidential contest. Denying these regions a vote directly restricts Zungu’s delegate numbers, significantly increasing the likelihood of his elimination during Congress proceedings.
Delegates spent over two hours deliberating the impasse before Congress officially moved on to the second agenda item. While details on how the dispute was ultimately resolved remain unconfirmed, sources close to the proceedings confirm the issue has been cleared for the voting phase.
Tensions within the venue remain high. Individuals close to Zungu’s camp alleged that legal and procedural challenges will follow should his campaign fail at the ballot box.
Furthermore, Zungu’s faction allegedly raised strong objections regarding the SAFA succession plan. Insiders reveal his supporters are demanding an immediate re-election rather than allowing Vice President Linda Zwane to assume the top position should Jordaan retain the presidency and subsequently face conviction in his ongoing fraud and corruption case.
The official voting session is currently underway in Midrand.
Sportswire will bring you live updates as the election results unfold
