JOHANNESBURG – Armed with a strong political background, SAFA President Danny Jordaan has seen his tenure dogged by controversy on multiple fronts, and the current fraud case is only the latest thread.

Jordaan is charged alongside former SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, former acting SAFA CEO Russell Paul, former journalist and director of Grit Communications Trevor Neethling, and the entity Grit Communications.

Reportedly involving approximately R1.3 million, the fraud case has been postponed by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge to 27 November. The accused face charges including fraud involving an amount approximately R1.3 million, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud and theft.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa said the postponement was to allow for the outcome of a High Court review application relating to the dismissal of an application in terms of Section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act. Magaboke Mohlatlole, Gauteng spokesperson for the NPA, explained that the section provides for an inquiry into delays in criminal proceedings.

Allegations by the State:

Between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan allegedly misused R1.3 million of SAFA resources for personal gain.

• During December 2017, Jordaan allegedly unlawfully signed and backdated a Service Level Agreement between SAFA and Grit Communications for the rendering of public relations and communications services.

• The agreement was allegedly concluded without following the requisite SAFA approval processes and was intended to serve and protect Jordaan’s personal image.

• Jordaan allegedly procured security services for his personal benefit under the guise of SAFA business operations.

• The State further alleges that Hluyo authorised payments to Grit Communications and a security company despite allegedly knowing that the agreements in question were unauthorised and unlawful.

• Paul allegedly colluded and conspired with the other accused in the commission of fraud and theft in relation to an allegedly unlawful 2018 Service Level Agreement purportedly entered into between SAFA and Grit Communications.

Mohlatlole stated that the NPA reiterated its readiness to proceed with the case and would await the outcome of the High Court review application before the matter can proceed. “The NPA remains committed to ensuring that the matter is finalised in accordance with the law and that the criminal justice process takes its course,” he said.

Despite facing the fraud and theft trial, Jordaan (74) remains the frontrunner to secure a fourth term in the upcoming SAFA elective congress set for September 12. He has consistently rejected internal and public calls to step down, maintaining full backing from key factions within the association to continue his leadership. Sandile Zungu, a business tycoon and owner of AmaZulu FC, is the primary challenger of Jordaan for the SAFA presidency.

Boasting a reputation in political, Jordaan is one of the most reputable figures in South African football, having served as president since 2013. He stepped down from his political role in the National Assembly as a representative of the ANC to become SAFA’s first chief executive officer (CEO). He became deputy president while the late Solomon “Stix” Morewa was at the helm as Executive President. Jordaan’s credentials include serving as CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee, which delivered Africa’s first World Cup.

Jordaan’s public profile saw him survive controversial 2017 rape allegations. Singer-songwriter and former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson publicly accused Jordaan of rape and formally laid a criminal charge. However, in late 2019, the NPA announced it had decided not to prosecute Jordaan, citing a lack of evidence. Jordaan strongly denied the rape allegations and labelled them a politically motivated smear campaign driven by internal rivalry within the football association.

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