World Netball has suspended Cecilia Molokwane, the president of Netball South Africa (NSA) and Africa Netball, and a World Netball director, casting doubts on her bid for a third term as NSA leader.
The reasons remain unclear, with talks said to be ongoing.
The sport’s world governing body has yet to disclose the specific charges, sending the rumour mill into overdrive in the netball community around the possible reasons for her suspension.
Molokwane has been a prominent figure in South African netball since she first took over the NSA presidency in 2017.
Over her two terms, she has been credited with propelling the Proteas to impressive finishes in recent Netball World Cups, and for hosting Africa’s successful maiden World Cup tournament in Cape Town in 2023.
She has listed hosting the showpiece as a highlight of her netball journey, as well as expanding the profile and reach of netball in the country.
Molokwane has also been credited with securing top opposition for the national netball team, in their bid to crack the podium places at major international tournaments.
Recent news of a Test series against New Zealand later this year followed earlier clashes against Jamaica and England. All three teams are ranked higher than the Proteas.
At the recent launch of the 2025 Telkom National Netball League in Johannesburg, Molokwane declared her intention to run for a third term as NSA president in the elections later this year.
“I’m open for a third term. I thought about it because I was asked this,” she told Independent Media at the launch.
“Then after my third term, I have to leave. The constitution says I cannot stay for long, so I cannot be there when the constitution says this. So, I will have to leave.
“And before I leave, as I said... a successor. I think in this four-year term it should be me grooming somebody to take over, so netball can be where it should be and it shouldn’t go down because somebody went.”
The decision to bid for a third presidential term has raised eyebrows, however, especially in light of allegations that she has been systematically removing individuals from the NSA who may oppose her bid for re-election.
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However, Netball South Africa are saying that they have not been made aware of the specific allegations against their leader.
“Netball South Africa (NSA) acknowledges the correspondence received from World Netball concerning our president, Cecilia Molokwane,” they said in a statement.
“We are currently in discussions with World Netball regarding this matter.
"As an organisation, NSA is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of governance, integrity, and transparency. We are committed to ensuring a fair and thorough process throughout this situation.
“In line with World Netball’s guidelines, we will refrain from engaging in discussions about ongoing internal matters.”
They have called for patience while the process unfolds.