Five South African Football Association (SAFA) regions have publicly declared their support for SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan amid ongoing legal proceedings. Delegates from Umkhanyakude, Zululand, Ugu, Umgungundlovu, and iLembe regions traveled to Johannesburg to attend Dr. Jordaan’s court appearance on Thursday, demonstrating solidarity and confidence in his leadership.
Dr. Jordaan, along with SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo and Grit Communications Director Trevor Neethling, appeared briefly before Magistrate Shirley Soko at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg. The case was postponed to Tuesday, 10 December 2024, after a short deliberation.
Unified Support from the Regions
Despite the brief court session, the regions reaffirmed their support for Dr. Jordaan.
“I think the whole country knows that there are allegations that have been leveled against our President, and we are here today to support him as the region,” said Nkokhelo Zulu, President of the Ilembe Region. “Till today, we believe that the things we are hearing and the allegations against our President are not true. We are here to show that all these things they are saying, we do not believe them.”
Umkhanyakude Region President echoed these sentiments, noting that the turnout would have been larger if not for the ongoing 2024 SALGA Games in eThekwini, which run from 5-8 December.
“They will be here with us next week when we return to support our President. We are coming from Umkhanyakude and we are here for one thing, to support the President as the Region. We will be back,” he said.
SAFA’s Commitment to Football Development
SAFA continues to emphasize its mission of growing football across South Africa. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, the organization remains steadfast in its dedication to uniting communities through the sport and creating opportunities for the country’s youth.
The presence and vocal support of regional leaders underscore the belief in Dr. Jordaan’s leadership and the broader goals of SAFA, even amid adversity.
As the matter returns to court next week, SAFA regions have vowed to maintain their show of solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to the organization’s vision and values.
