Karate South Africa (KSA) has come under scrutiny following governance concerns after the World Karate Federation (WKF) suspended the organisation’s entire national executive, including president Sonny Pillay, and appointed an interim board to oversee the federation.
In a letter dated 26 June, WKF President Antonio Espinós confirmed the decision.
He said: “At the present time, all members of the current National Executive Committee of KSA have been provisionally suspended. With the aim of restoring the proper functioning of KSA and with the final aim to conduct democratic elections for a new board, WKF is appointing an interim board. The term of the interim board shall be up to 12 months with management tasks, including but not limited to the following: Review of the rules, regulations and procedures of KSA, including but not limited to selection of national team athletes, policy and fees on sports equipment and attire; and events and policy fees.
“Review of membership requirements with the aim of attracting the highest number of karatekas in South Africa; and the review of statutes and good governance practices for their alignment with WKF rules and statutes. This process includes the call and holding of democratic and transparent elections within KSA.”
In response, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) president Barry Hendricks said the organisation had noted the WKF’s decision and the process followed in terms of the federation’s statutes.
Hendricks said: “SASCOC notes that the recognised Karate South Africa remains a member in good standing of the WKF, with the suspension applying only to members of its Executive Committee. An Interim Steering Committee has been established to oversee the reform process within the National Federation until a new Executive Committee is elected.
All WKF competitions and programmes directly affecting athletes will continue in accordance with the KSA annual calendar, without disruption; and SASCOC further notes that the actions and resolutions taken by the WKF form part of the Federation’s internal governance and due process.”
He added that SASCOC would engage with the Interim Steering Committee to better understand its roadmap towards convening an elective Annual General Meeting in accordance with Karate South Africa’s constitutional framework.
On Friday, 31 July, Pillay was approached for comment and referred enquiries to his legal representative, Sandile Khoza. Khoza confirmed that an interim board had been appointed and said he currently had no mandate from KSA to comment further on the matter.
The developments prompted widespread reaction on social media, with several members of the karate community welcoming the WKF’s intervention.
Alfred Chauke said: “It’s been long overdue. Now all athletes will have fair opportunities when trials come and hopefully karate will regain the respect and discipline that has been lost.”
Sash Bagwandeen said: “It’s about time. They abused their power in the sport for far too long.”
Thinus Botes said: “This has been a long time coming. When we did karate years back, there was unfairness towards JKA (Japan Karate Association) clubs in competitions.”
