Full Name: Zola Majavu
Place of Birth: Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa
Profession: Attorney, Sports Administrator, Arbitrator
Notable Contributions: PSL Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Former FIFA DRC Member, Founder of Majavu Inc.
Who is Zola Majavu?
Zola Majavu is a distinguished South African attorney and sports administrator. With an illustrious legal career spanning nearly three decades, Majavu has played a pivotal role in football governance both locally and internationally. Best known for his leadership roles within the South African Football Association (SAFA), the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, Majavu has earned a reputation as a disciplinarian.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Kroonstad in South Africa’s Free State Province, Zola Majavu attended Bodibeng High School, where his passion for justice and leadership was first evident.
He later pursued a career in law, qualifying and being admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 1995.
Legal Career and Academic Contributions
Shortly after his admission, Majavu established his own legal practice, founding Majavu Inc., where he serves as Sole Proprietor. His areas of legal expertise include:
- Labour Law
- Matrimonial Law
- Criminal Law
- Commercial Law
- Sports Law
- General Litigation
- Public Sector Law
While building his practice, Majavu also contributed to academia, lecturing final-year LLB students at the University of the Witwatersrand Law Clinic until 2000. His early dedication to mentoring young legal minds highlighted his commitment to both legal excellence and education.
Sports Administration and Leadership Roles
Majavu’s expertise extended beyond the courtroom into the realm of sports administration, where he became a trusted legal authority in football governance:
- 2000–June 2003: Appointed Chairperson of the National Disciplinary Committee of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
- January 2003–June 2003: Appointed a Member of the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
- May 2005–September 2016: Served as a Member of the Dispute Resolution Chamber of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), completing three full terms.
- 2011–2015: Appointed Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
- Ongoing: Serves as a Member of the Club Licensing Committee (First Instance Body – FIB) of the PSL.
Through these roles, Majavu has overseen critical disciplinary and regulatory processes, ensuring that both players and clubs operate within the frameworks of fairness and integrity.
Personal Challenges
In 2018, Majavu faced a life-threatening incident when he was shot during a business robbery. The event was widely reported in the media, but Majavu’s resilience and strength saw him recover and continue his leadership work both in law and in sports administration.
Legacy and Impact
Today, Zola Majavu stands as a towering figure in South African law and sports governance. His leadership across multiple legal and sporting bodies has contributed immensely to the professionalization and credibility of South African football’s judicial systems. Through his firm but principled approach, he continues to inspire respect both in courtrooms and on the football field.
