Cecilia Molokwane Suspended: World Netball Launches Probe into Governance Breache. In a dramatic turn of events, World Netball has suspended Cecilia Molokwane, the influential president of Netball South Africa (NSA) and Africa Netball, citing serious concerns over alleged governance and conduct violations.
The suspension, announced on April 19, 2025, has sent ripples across the global netball community. While exact details of the allegations remain under wraps pending an internal investigation and disciplinary process, the move marks a major escalation in long-standing tensions around Molokwane’s leadership.
Molokwane, who also serves on the World Netball Board, has been a prominent figure in the sport, widely credited with elevating the Spar Proteas and playing a key role in bringing the 2023 Netball World Cup to Cape Town—a historic milestone for the African continent.
However, her legacy has not been without controversy. Her tenure has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and the controversial reinstatement of a coach previously accused of sexual misconduct—raising questions about transparency and accountability within NSA.
In a strong warning, World Netball has cautioned that Netball South Africa itself could face suspension if Molokwane remains in office during the probe. NSA has since moved to temporarily appoint its vice-president to assume leadership duties and stated that it is unaware of the specific charges but is engaging with World Netball to clarify the matter.
The suspension comes at a crucial time:
- NSA elections are just around the corner, with Molokwane expected to seek a third term.
- Preparations are in full swing for the 2024 FAST5 Netball World Series.
Now, with its top official under investigation, South African netball faces a crisis of leadership that could derail both local development and international momentum.
The netball world is watching closely—will this be a wake-up call for reform, or the beginning of deeper institutional upheaval?
