Boardroom Showdown: SAFA Places Four Senior Officials on Suspension
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced the suspension of four members from its National Executive Committee (NEC): Gladwyn White, Monde Montshiwa, Orapeleng Setlhare, and Emma Hendrick.
This formal notice comes in the wake of an exclusive report by Sportswire earlier this month, which revealed an incident at SAFA House involving a disruption during an NEC meeting by the four members.
Increased Tensions at SAFA House
The suspensions are a result of a tense encounter where security initially prevented the members from entering the boardroom. After gaining access, the situation reportedly intensified; witnesses claimed that one member directed an aggressive gesture towards SAFA President Danny Jordaan, who was in the company of NEC members Nastasia Chiklas and Bennett Bailey.
In a notable development, the Dawid Kruiper Local Football Association has already expressed its support for Ms. Hendrick’s suspension.
Official Statement
In a statement released on Saturday, the Association outlined the sequence of disciplinary actions:
“Following a resolution passed by the Emergency Committee on 13 March 2026, four NEC members have been suspended promptly. This decision was subsequently ratified by the NEC on 21 March 2026 through a round-robin process.”
The suspended members are as follows:
- Mr. Gladwyn White
- Mr. Monde Montshiwa
- Mr. Orapeleng Setlhare
- Ms. Emma Hendrick
All membership privileges of these individuals have been revoked, and they are barred from entering SAFA facilities, using its systems, and carrying out any official duties pending their disciplinary hearings.
Political Climate and Oversight
While SAFA emphasizes that these measures are essential for maintaining “integrity and transparency,” they occur during a politically sensitive time as the Association prepares for its Presidential Electoral Congress this coming September.
Current President Danny Jordaan is expected to pursue a fourth term, amidst emerging internal conflicts as some members challenge his candidacy.
Despite the internal disputes, SAFA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that preparations for national teams remain a top priority, with various junior and senior squads training for upcoming international competitions.
