Former NEC member Buddha Mathathe accuses Safa of vote-buying to secure Danny Jordaan's re-election

Jacob 'Buddha' Mathathe has boldly claimed that Safa honorariums were conveniently paid a few days before the September 12 elective congress to secure votes for re-elected president Danny Jordaan.

Former NEC member Jacob 'Buddha' Mathathe has boldly claimed that Safa honorariums were conveniently paid a few days before the elective congress to secure votes for re-elected president Danny Jordaan.

The veteran football administrator was voted into office for an unprecedented fourth term , beating challenger Sandile Zungu in a landslide of 157 votes to 82.

Jordaan's knowledge of the election procedures – which included securing votes from the regions, associate members, special members, and the PSL – was expected to swing the votes in his favor, as he had long mobilised his campaign.

However, scrutiny engulfed the elections on their eve as reports emerged that four regions – Harry Gwala, Sarah Baartman, Pixley ka Seme, and Amajuba – and associate member Samlfa, who were reportedly endorsing Zungu, were barred from voting due to various issues.

Moreover, the fact that Safa – as initially revealed by Cape Town chairperson Bennet Bailey – decided to pay the annual honorariums a few days before the elective congress didn’t sit well with some stakeholders. Mathathe was among those who used this timing to launch serious allegations against Jordaan.

“It then confirms what we are saying about vote-buying,” Mathathe told IOL Sport , following revelations that each NEC member was paid R153 000, which totaled around R6 million for all members.

“All NEC members – 39 of them – were paid. I am sure it’s only one or two that didn’t get it. But all those who got it, voted for him. The honorarium was over and above the benefits that they’ve been getting. It was just to cement their support and make sure that they look at only the incumbent.

“It was meant to say: ‘If you do this, these are the benefits that you are going to get.’”

Mathathe also received his honorarium as an NEC member at the time. However, he revealed that were it not for his close friend and NEC finance chairperson, Mxolisi Sibam, perhaps that wouldn’t have been possible.

“On Thursday, the chairman of the finance committee called me and said: ‘Buddha, I am aware you are not going to come back to the new NEC. But as a friend and legend, it would be an injustice and it would haunt me for the rest of my life if I didn’t tell you (about the honorarium)’,” Mathathe added.

“He asked me: ‘Did you get your honorarium?’ I said: ‘No, nobody has spoken about an honorarium.’ He said, ‘Do me a favour: phone the CFO, Gronie Hluyo, and ask him about the honorarium.’ I called Gronie, and he said: ‘Ah, legend, we forgot … Can you please send a text?’ This was on Thursday.