SASCOC President's Comments

The ANC Parliamentary Caucus has noted the decision by the President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), Moss Mashishi, that his organisation will cease accounting to Parliament until the chairperson [Butana Komphela - Ed] of the Sport Portfolio Committee is replaced.

Caucus regards the statement, published widely in the media, as reckless and in contempt of the constitution, which all responsible citizens are enjoined to uphold and respect.

We find it unfortunate that a person of Mashishi's stature can make statements that sought to reflect an open disrespect for the institution and disdain to its standing.

Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Republic affords the National Assembly powers to "summon any person or institution to report to it" and "compel(s), in terms of national legislation or the rules and orders, any person or institution to comply with summons or requirements".

Mashishi's statements further exhibit arrogance in that he seeks to dictate who the ANC should deploy to Parliament and how the institution should be run as a condition for his organisation's cooperation. Such a conduct is unbecoming of a person leading such an important organisation in our society. We therefore strongly condemn his behaviour.

We wish to advice Mashishi to demonstrate mature leadership and respect to the constitution of the land by heeding the invitation of the Portfolio Committee.

Statement issued by ANC's Parliamentary Caucus July 22 2008