Former Safa NEC member Jacob ‘Budda’ Mathathe has launched a scathing attack on the governing body, claiming the organisation has “lost its soul” after endorsing president Danny Jordaan in his ongoing legal battles.
Safa recently announced that it had lodged no complaint against Jordaan, chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, former acting chief executive Russell Paul, and Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling.
The decision comes amid the group’s long-running court case at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, where they face charges of theft, fraud, and corruption involving association funds.
The football body confirmed it will cover the legal costs incurred by Jordaan and Hluyo to date, appoint legal counsel to monitor proceedings, initiate disciplinary action against individuals bringing the organisation into disrepute, and formally notify the court of its stance.
These resolutions were backed by the newly elected NEC, which was inducted by Safa and Fifa officials in Sandton last week. Mathathe, who was barred from standing for re-election after being deemed "non-compliant," expressed deep disappointment with the new resolutions and declared that the SMLFA will not abandon its push for structural reform.
“That’s the reason we were fighting, and we are still going to fight for the soul of Safa,” Mathathe, who strongly opposed Jordaan’s bid for a fourth term during the recent elective congress, told IOL Sports in an exclusive interview.
“We won’t stop until certain objectives are achieved. It’s not about us; it’s about what is best for South African football and securing the right leadership for the country.
“This is not personal. Some of us have come full circle in football and ended up part of the highest decision-making body in the country. We understand the pain caused by a leadership that is self-centered and, to a large extent, corrupt.”
Mathathe, who also expressed shock over the timing of honorarium payments made in the week leading up to the elections, argued that the decision to support Jordaan was driven by the personal interests of specific NEC members.
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“He is charged with allegations of theft and corruption against the very organisation he leads,” Mathathe said. “Any right-thinking person who isn't self-centered or seeking personal gain would challenge that. It makes no sense for the same organisation to resolve to defend him and appoint legal counsel to protect him.”
“This is not personal. Some of us have come full circle in football and ended up part of the highest decision-making body in the country. We understand the pain caused by a leadership that is self-centered and, to a large extent, corrupt.”
Mathathe, who also expressed shock over the timing of honorarium payments made in the week leading up to the elections, argued that the decision to support Jordaan was driven by the personal interests of specific NEC members.
“He is charged with allegations of theft and corruption against the very organisation he leads,” Mathathe said. “Any right-thinking person who isn't self-centered or seeking personal gain would challenge that. It makes no sense for the same organisation to resolve to defend him and appoint legal counsel to protect him.”
Mathathe rejected Safa’s characterisation of critics as “disgruntled former members,” emphasising that he was among those who initially called for Jordaan to step aside until cleared of all charges. He expressed disappointment in the stance taken by the newly appointed leadership.
“It shows that people like us, who challenged these decisions and pointed out what was wrong, have been pushed out,” Mathathe said. “The new NEC, having supported this agenda, will not be critical of issues concerning governance or the broader health of Safa as an organisation.
“They are only looking after themselves. It compromises the image and brand of Safa – and that is truly sad.”