NotInMyName Condemns SAFA’s Declaration Of Ria Ledwaba As Persona Non Grata

On March 8, 2024, we communicated through this platform about the letter from SAFA communicating Solly Mohlabeng’s suspension on this post: https://tflm.org.za/2024/03/08/a-communication-on-solly-mohlabengs-suspension/

In the same letter, SAFA communicated their decision to declare Ms. Ria Ledwaba a persona non grata within SAFA, thus disqualifying her from all and every football-related activity under the jurisdiction of SAFA.

We understand this to be a non-prescriptive term, rather, a more sentimental one that means ‘unwelcomed’. In other words, SAFA just labelled Ms. Ledwaba as an enemy of SAFA. This way, SAFA makes a psychological suggestion to people to ill-treat Ms. Ledwaba whenever they see her.

But the #NotInMyName campaign will have none of that. They have made a statement in defence of Ms. Ledwaba. We share that statement, which we fully agree with, unedited here-below:

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The Not In My Name International civil rights group condemns the senseless declaration of Ria Ledwaba as a Persona Non Grata by the South African Football Association.

The latest kick of a dying SAFA comes just days after an embarrassing raid at the SAFA offices by the Hawks, on the backdrop of allegations of corruption against the dictator and SAFA President for life, Danny Jordaan. This is not the first time and most likely not the last time the Football Association is marred by controversy and allegations of dishonest administration.

Important to note, there are no provisions in the SAFA statutes that empowers the declaration of anyone a Persona Non Grata. The Conflicted SAFA National Executive Committee continues to prove that they are compromised and make new rules as they go, to further humiliate and abuse Ria Ledwaba. The NEC should be focusing its energies on accountability and transparency, by advocating for ethical standards of leadership within the SAFA.

NotInMyName wishes to make a clarion call to South Africans to stand up and take back their football association from questionable characters who use it to advance personal interests. SAFA needs to be saved from being operated like a personal Spaza shop of one individual and the politically connected few. It belongs to South Africans.

NotInMyName calls on SAFA to reconsider its declaration, withdraw it and apologize to Ria Ledwaba, and to South Africans. The association needs to critically reflect on its public image and make the necessary changes needed to redeem itself. The first step is to take a bold decision to facilitate the resignation of rape accused Danny Jordaan.

Siyabulela Jentile (President, Not In My Name International NPC)

Media Enquiries:
+27 71 571 3993
info@nimni.org

Themba Masango (SG)

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