South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and Athletics South Africa (ASA), November 6 2009

The National Sport and Recreation Act places the responsibility of dealing with errant federations on South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

In the case of SASCOC this responsibility was exercised in a very responsible and professional way. Sufficient time was taken to apply their minds on the issues. This was followed by an emotion-free investigation by a special commission of professionals.

The findings and recommendations are very well researched and formulated. Only irresponsible administrators would ignore them. We applaud SASCOC for the correct response to a situation that embarrassed our nation and our athletics.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) must now pick up the pieces and allow the due process of the law to be completed. The integrity of our athletics, its governance and status in the international sporting world is at stake here. We will do everything to protect the right for our athletes to participate in athletics without a cloud of questionable governance hanging above them.

Statement issued by the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa, November 6 2009

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter