Danny Jordaan Charged with Fraud: R1.3 Million Allegedly Misused

South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court this week, facing fraud charges after allegedly using R1.3 million of Safa’s funds for personal expenses. The high-profile case drew a packed courtroom, with several Safa National Executive Committee members in attendance, including COO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe and CEO Lydia Monyepao, who were present to show support for Jordaan.

Wearing a dark blue suit and a red and white tie, Jordaan stood in the dock with his hands behind his back. He stated that, while he was aware of his impending arrest, he had not seen the police document detailing the charges against him. “The police came to fetch me at my house and brought me before this court,” he explained. Jordaan announced his intention to plead not guilty and applied for bail, mentioning that he had raised R10,000 for it.

The charges are based on accusations that, between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan used Safa’s resources for personal purposes. According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, this included hiring a private security company for his protection and engaging a public relations firm without board approval. The public relations services, allegedly aimed at managing Jordaan’s public image, were sought after singer and former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson accused him of rape in 2017. Mogale stated, “The president is also reported to have violated SAFA statutes, thus prejudicing SAFA an actual loss of R1.3 million.”

In his court appearance, Jordaan provided details of his assets and income, stating that he was not salaried by Safa but received up to R100,000 annually based on the organization’s performance. He owns two properties—a R6 million house in Johannesburg and a R4 million home in the Eastern Cape—and estimated the fittings and appliances in both properties to be worth approximately R2 million. His vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW, hold a combined value of over R700,000.

In March, the Hawks conducted a five-hour raid at Safa’s offices in Nasrec, Johannesburg, seizing various electronic devices, including a laptop, external hard drives, a USB, and physical documents. The evidence obtained is expected to be central to the prosecution's case.

Jordaan, along with Safa’s chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and former journalist Trevor Neethling, faces a lengthy legal process ahead. The case could have significant implications for Safa’s leadership and public image as it unfolds in the coming months.

This remains a developing story, with further details expected as the case proceeds.