Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

AfriForum and prominent role players expose mismanagement and misconduct in Netball SA

The civil rights organisation AfriForum today during a media conference shed light on serious mismanagement and alleged misconduct regarding matters involving Netball South Africa and its president, Cecilia Molokwane. The alleged misconduct includes the failure to address serious cases of sexual abuse within the federation, abuse of power, and irregularities attempting to suppress valid concerns and voices.

AfriForum announced that it is providing legal assistance to Olivia Jasriel and Joseph Taylor in separate court cases that raise fundamental concerns about the governance and management of Netball South Africa.

Netball South Africa and Molokwane recently issued a defamation case against Jasriel, a well-known campaigner against the sexual abuse of children, who herself is a victim of abuse. AfriForum’s legal team will assist Jasriel to show that her public statements are in the public interest and true and therefore cannot be seen as defamation. Ronald Peters, manager of AfriForum Sport, asserts that the case against Jasriel is merely a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP-suit). It is an attempt to divert attention from more critical issues at hand, namely the alleged mismanagement of Netball South Africa and the failure to address serious irregularities, including cases of sexual abuse within the federation. “We firmly believe that the focus should be on addressing these pressing issues rather than attempting to silence an advocate against abuse against women and children in sport in South Africa,” says Peters.

Furthermore, AfriForum is also providing legal support to Taylor in his case against Netball South Africa. Taylor’s application for information, in accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), has been met with failure and/or refusal from Netball South Africa, despite their legal obligation to provide such information. “This information pertains to matters of utmost public interest, including Cecilia Molokwane’s membership status within Netball South Africa and reports of alleged financial irregularities during her tenure as president,” says Peters. Additionally, Taylor seeks information on alleged sexual abuse cases and documentation outlining his suspension as a member of Netball South Africa.

During the media conference, Christine du Preez, former vice president of Netball South Africa, provided a first-hand account of irregularities within the federation. She highlighted concerns regarding the management of the federation, emphasising the negative impact on relationships within the organisation which has led to the detriment of the federation itself and the netball community as a whole.

It is AfriForum’s belief that Netball South Africa’s alleged mismanagement, abuse of power, and neglect to address vital concerns have not only eroded the integrity of the sport but also jeopardised the welfare of the netball community, especially its youth, in South Africa. “We stand alongside Olivia Jasriel, Joseph Taylor and all those who seek answers and accountability within Netball South Africa. AfriForum calls on Netball South Africa and its governing bodies to prioritise addressing these critical issues instead of attempting to suppress valid concerns and voices,” concludes Peters.