KARATE South Africa has recently had its termination of membership from the African Karate Federation (UFAK) lifted.
Just three months ago Karate South Africa (KSA) seemed to be facing extinction having been subjected to serious challenges by UFAK, however that all changed dramatically after a three-man official delegation led by KSA president Sonny Pillay recently returned triumphant from the UFAK headquarters in Algiers having attended a congress hosted by UFAK with senior officials of the World Karate Federation (WKF) present.
“Remarkably the KSA delegation was very warmly welcomed to the UFAK HQ in Algiers moreover our KSA delegation was received with open arms and a total attitude of reconciliation permeated the atmosphere throughout the entire congress by both parties UFAK and KSA,” said head of the KSA delegation Sonny Pillay Hanshi.
A very excited Pillay, one of South Africa’s karate legends, said he was absolutely delighted to report that UFAK, directly responsible for the World Karate federation WKF affairs in the African continent, unreservedly uplifted the termination of KSA’s membership with immediate effect
Due to certain alleged activities in the near past KSA was firstly suspended by UFAK and upon KSA lodging a dispute its membership of UFAK was subsequently terminated explained Pillay.
The KSA delegation was invited to the Algiers to present their side with regards to the allegations UFAK and the termination was lifted.
KSA an affiliate of SASCOC is now preparing for its national senior championships in early March which will be in Johannesburg and the juniors in late March which will be in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Moreover the lifting of the KSA termination by UFAK reopens the doors as in the past to all international events such as the Africa Zone 6, All Africa (UFAK) and the WKF World cup for our tournament fighters,” said Pillay.
KSA has also agreed to the UFAK request to hold national elections in the middle of 2016 so that karate clubs who currently wish to be a part of the KSA Federation may be included provided they follow the WKF statutes.
“Karate has been proposed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and KSA remains optimistic that the concerted effort made by the WKF president Antonio Espinos and his outstanding team will be realised,” said Pillay.
For more information email president@karate-sa.org or call 0825577784.
KSA delegation was received with open arms and a total attitude of reconciliation permeated the atmosphere throughout the congress.
