Skhosana to run for second full term as ASA boss

Athletics South Africa (ASA) acting CEO Terrence Magogodela confirmed that ASA President Aleck Skhosana would run for a second term in office. The eagerly awaited elections will take place at the Southern Sun Hotel in Kempton Park on 8 May. Skhosana has been ASA boss for the past six years. He was first elected on an interim basis in 2014, following which he then served a full term after he won the 2016 elections.

Skhosana poses with members of the team to represent South Africa at the 50km world championships in 2019. Photo Credit: ASA.

According to ASA, the constitution allows the twelve members to be automatically re-nominated to run for various positions. But the members must be in good standing in line with the ASA constitution. "Yes, I can confirm the Mr. Skhosana will run for another term. I expect to see his name on the nominations list. All the board members are automatically re-nominated for the elections. Mr. Skhosana will contest the elections," explained the acting CEO. The nominations for office bearers are open until 3 March. In April, ASA will notify its members to confirm the final list of candidates.

ASA boss Aleck Skhosana (holding microphone) flanked by some of his board members. Photo Credit: ASA.

There are twelve positions available on the federation's board, and Magogodela is inviting clubs and provinces to submit their nominations before the deadline. "These elections are open to anyone in good standing. We are inviting the clubs and provinces to send in their nominations. We will make sure the elections are free and fair. We want peaceful elections," said Magogodela.

Although Skhosana's first full term was due to end last September (because the elections take place quadrennially to coincide with the Olympic Games) the 2020 elections were postponed because of Covid-19. Magogodela said ASA reached an agreement to elect a new board before June. "It's an Olympic year, and the plan is to go into the Olympic Games with a newly elected board in July," Magogodela told the Top Runner. It means that if Skhosana wins the elections, he will have been in office for ten years.

Magogodela said they are working on the logistics of the ballot, which depends on the Coronavirus pandemic. He said he would confirm at a later stage whether the elections will take place physically or virtually. Skhosana was not available for comment.