Zim Netball Association President Suspended Over G...

Zim Netball Association President Suspended Over Governance Issues

Patience Muchemwa - Senior Reporter

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has suspended Leticia Chipandu, the President of the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA), from all netball-related administrative duties in Zimbabwe.

This decision is based on Section 30(1)(c)(i) of the Sports and Recreation Act (Chapter 25:15) and will remain in effect until the next ZINA elections.

The suspension follows investigations into administrative challenges within ZINA. Concerns have been raised over governance issues, including the use of different constitutions and lack of transparency, leading to some teams disaffiliating from ZINA.

In 2019, a group of netball administrators petitioned the SRC, citing "gross irregularities in netball governance" and violations of ZINA's constitution

The SRC had previously directed ZINA to hold elections and recognize the Rainbow Amateur League, but ZINA did not comply, citing their 2013 constitution, which the SRC disputes. This non-compliance and ongoing governance issues have led to the SRC's decision to suspend Chipandu.

Chipandu, who has led ZINA for over two decades and also serves as the President of the Confederation of Southern Africa Netball Associations (COSANA), has not publicly commented on her suspension.

The SRC’s action aims to restore proper governance and accountability within Zimbabwean netball administration.