DECISION OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG FEDERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA

​In the matter of
The German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa (Claimant)
and
Mr Frikkie Johan van Kraayenburg (Respondent 1)
Mrs Sonia van Kraayenburg (Respondent 2)

RULING

Background and Introduction

1. This matter arises from disciplinary proceedings instituted by the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa (hereinafter the “Federation”) against two of its members and former senior office bearers, Mr FJ van Kraayenburg (hereinafter FvK) and Mrs S van Kraayenburg (hereinafter SvK), collectively referred to as the “Respondents”.
   
2. The Respondents have been central figures in the Federation for decades. The First Defendant previously served as President of the Federation for approximately twenty-seven years after earlier holding the office of National Administrator, while the Second Defendant served as National Administrator for approximately twenty-two years. During these periods the Federation’s administrative and operational structures, including its financial systems and membership administration processes, were largely developed and overseen by the Respondents.
3. On 6 December 2025, the Federation issued a Notice of Disciplinary Action against the Respondents, invoking Schedule 1 of the Federation’s Constitution. The Notice stated that Council had resolved to institute formal disciplinary proceedings based primarily on allegations of financial, administrative, and governance irregularities arising from the Respondents’ respective tenures.
   
4. The Notice set out ten charges covering a broad range of alleged irregularities relating to financial management, administrative conduct, improper self-benefit, irregular registrations and invoicing, unauthorised expenditure, and violations of internal governance processes.
   
5. The Respondents delivered a detailed written response on 15 January 2026. The Respondents contend that the disciplinary proceedings arose against the background of a deterioration in relations following their resignations from office in 2024. The Respondents allege that an “ambush meeting” on 1 September 2024 marked the beginning of a prolonged period of harassment and targeted action against them. The Federation disputes these allegations.
   
6. The Federation emphasised that the allegations were advanced solely for internal disciplinary purposes and did not constitute findings of guilt, misconduct, or criminality.
   
7. The charges brought against the Respondents are accordingly now before the disciplinary committee for determination.
   
8. The disciplinary proceeding was determined based solely on written submissions and documentary evidence filed by the parties. Both parties were afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence, make submissions, and respond to the allegations.

Charges to be Determined

1. The committee has been asked to determine the following charges:
   1. Charge 1: Whether FvK authorised or benefited from the development, hosting, and maintenance of the “VA Farce” website using Federation funds, and whether SvK approved or effected such payments, without obtaining the required approval of the Federation Executive Committee as required by Clause 8.5.1 of the Constitution.
   2. Charge 2: Whether FvK and SvK enrolled the Federation in the Nedbank Greenbacks rewards programme and arranged for rewards generated from Federation bank card transactions to be ceded to a personal rewards account, without disclosure to or approval from the Federation Executive Committee.
   3. Charge 3: Financial Governance and Administrative Irregularities:
      • Charge 3.a – Accounts 20 and 21: Whether FvK and SvK mismanaged Federation Accounts 20 and 21 through irregular account usage and inadequate financial oversight.
      • Charge 3.b – Reversal and Journal Entries: Whether SvK failed to maintain adequate financial oversight in respect of debit and credit reversals and journal entries recorded in Federation financial records.
      • Charge 3.c – Consultation Fee Escalations: Whether SvK granted unauthorised consultation fee increases to herself without obtaining the required approval of the Federation Executive Committee.
      • Charge 3.d – Staff Salary Increases Not Aligned: Whether SvK failed to properly oversee payroll administration, resulting in salary discrepancies and an undetected overpayment.
      • Charge 3.e – Overpayment / Bonus: Whether SvK authorised or permitted the payment of a bonus to herself, without obtaining approval from the Federation Executive Committee.
      • Charge 3.f – Personal Credit Card Use: Whether SvK improperly utilised her personal credit card in connection with Federation financial transactions in a manner inconsistent with proper financial governance procedures.
      • Charge 3.g – Personal Expenses Charged to Federation Account: Whether SvK charged personal expenses to the Federation account and thereby misused Federation funds.
      • Charge 3.h – Missing Litter Invoicing: Whether SvK failed to ensure that litter registration invoices were properly issued and recorded, resulting in missing or unaccounted invoices.
      • Charge 3.i – Missing Invoices for Tattoo Ink: Whether SvK failed to ensure that stock items, including tattoo ink, were properly invoiced and recorded in the Federation’s financial records.
      • Charge 3.j – Website Listings Not Invoiced: Whether FvK permitted or facilitated website listings and advertising services to be provided without invoicing or payment to the Federation, resulting in the misappropriation of Federation resources.
      • Charge 3.k – Dogs Exhibited Without Entry Fees: Whether FvK and SvK entered dogs owned by them into Federation breed shows without paying the required entry fees or ensuring that invoices were issued.
      • Charge 3.l – R156,000 Judge Ticket Irregularity: Whether FvK and SvK failed to properly reconcile and administer a judge’s travel payment, resulting in an undetected overpayment and irregular financial journal entries.
      • Charge 3.m – Hosting Fee Irregularities: Whether FvK authorised or effected website hosting payments without proper approval from the Federation Executive Committee.
      • Charge 3.n – Outstanding Account Balance and Interest: Whether FvK and SvK failed to maintain Federation Account 21 in good standing by allowing arrears to accumulate and failing to identify disputed statement items.
   4. Charge 4: SV Membership: Whether FvK caused or permitted his personal SV membership fees to be paid using Federation funds without disclosure to or approval from the Federation Executive Committee.
      
   5. Charge 5: Wazuri Litter Kennel Administration: Whether FvK and SvK engaged in kennel administration mismanagement by submitting irregular documentation, inaccurate breeding information, or improperly administering breeding rights relating to the Wazuri litters.
      
   6. Charge 6: Response to IAD Warning: Whether SvK improperly challenged or undermined the authority of the Federation Administrator through the content or tone of her response to an administrative warning issued.
      
   7. Charge 7: Distribution of Rebuttal Document: Whether FvK and SvK disseminated, authorised, or facilitated the circulation of an internal Federation rebuttal document to third parties without authorisation.
      
   8. Charge 8: Alleged Telephonic Defamation: Whether FvK and SvK authorised or permitted defamatory statements concerning members of the Federation Executive Committee to be communicated through a third party.
      
   9. Charge 9: Harassment Case: Whether FvK and SvK engaged in conduct amounting to harassment that would constitute misconduct within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Federation.
      
   10. Charge 10: Council Meeting Attendance: Whether SvK breached Federation Council directives by attending a restricted Federation Council meeting and accessing confidential information without authorisation.
       

Analysis of Charges and Evidence before the Committee

1. The committee considered all written submissions and documentary evidence placed before it.
   1. Charge 1: VA Farce Website.
      1. The creation of the website is not disputed; however, FvK failed to obtain the required written approval from the Federation EXCO committee before proceeding to use Federation funds.
      2. The absence of documentary approvals, inconsistent financial records, and incomplete administrative documentation raises significant concerns regarding compliance with proper governance standards.
      3. Federation funds were utilised to create and maintain the VA Farce Website without the required formal approval from the Federation.
      4. FINDING: FvK is found guilty of unauthorised expenditure and financial mismanagement.
      5. SANCTION: FvK shall be barred from publishing on Federation and Federation-related platforms for the period of 5 years, starting on the day of this ruling.
   2. Charge 2: Greenbacks.
      1. The absence of documentary approvals, inconsistent financial records, and incomplete administrative documentation raises significant concerns regarding compliance with proper governance standards.
      2. No documentation was produced to verify that the Greenback rewards were authorised or applied for legitimate Federation purposes.
      3. The evidence indicates that Greenback rewards were redirected without documented authorisation or disclosure to the Federation’s governing structures.
      4. The cession and conversion of Greenbacks rewards were not disclosed or approved, and the benefits were improperly directed to the Second Defendant.
      5. The Respondents do not explain who activated the cession of the Greenbacks or why this arrangement was neither disclosed nor approved by the Federation EXCO committee. The cession of Greenbacks in itself may be deemed self-dealing and deviate from proper procedure.
      6. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of misappropriation of Federation resources.
      7. SANCTION: SvK shall be barred from being nominated or elected to any Federation committee, sub-committee or EXCO for the period of 5 years, starting on the day of this ruling.
   3. Charge 3.
      1. The charges centres on multiple irregularities relating to financial oversight, invoicing irregularities, account mismanagement, unauthorised benefits, and procedural failures. Each sub-section is addressed separately below.
         1. Charge 3.a. Irregular use of Accounts 20 and 21.
            1. Evidence presented confirmed that the Respondents utilised Accounts 20 and 21 jointly for various Federation transactions. While the sharing of an account may occur for administrative convenience, such an arrangement does not remove the individual accountability of each account holder.
            2. The cumulative evidence demonstrates inadequate oversight of the accounts, irregular reconciliations, and the absence of proper monitoring of charges and credits.
            3. FINDING: Both Respondents are found guilty of negligent financial governance and mismanagement of Federation Accounts #20 and #21.
         2. Charge 3.b. Reversal and journal entries.
            1. Evidence presented reflects several debit and credit reversals and journal adjustments, which were not supported by clear reconciliations or documented explanations.
            2. As the responsible administrative authority, SvK bore the duty to ensure proper oversight of the financial records and reconciliation processes.
            3. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of negligent financial management.
         3. Charge 3.c. Consultation fee escalations.
            1. Evidence demonstrated that SvK implemented increases to consultation fees payable to herself without documented approval from the Federation EXCO. No documentary proof of authorisation for these increases was produced.
            2. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of negligent administrative and financial mismanagement in granting.
         4. Charge 3.d. Staff increases not aligned.
            1. Evidence indicated that a salary overpayment of R1,300.00 occurred and remained undetected for a period of time. This failure to identify and correct the discrepancy reflects insufficient payroll oversight and reconciliation controls.
            2. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of negligent administrative and financial management relating to payroll oversight.
         5. Charge 3.e. Overpayment / bonus.
            1. Evidence showed that a bonus was paid to SvK, without evidence of formal EXCO authorisation. No documentary proof confirming approval of such a bonus was submitted.
            2. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of negligent administrative and gross financial mismanagement relating to the unauthorised payment of bonuses.
         6. ​Charge 3.f. Personal credit card use.
            1. SvK admitted that her personal credit card had been used in certain instances in relation to Federation expenses and provided mitigating explanations.
            2. While the conduct may reflect poor administrative practice, and financial mismanagement the evidence does not establish deliberate dishonesty or personal financial gain.
            3. FINIDING: The Committee finds that the conduct reflects poor administrative practice and financial mismanagement. However, in light of the mitigating explanations provided and the absence of evidence establishing personal gain or dishonesty, the Committee issues a formal reprimand and records the conduct as an administrative breach rather than a disciplinary offence warranting sanction.
         7. Charge 3.g. Personal expenses charged to account.
            1. SvK admitted that certain personal expenses were incorrectly charged to the Federation account, although mitigation was offered. Nevertheless, the charging of personal expenses to Federation funds constitutes a serious breach of governance.
            2. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of gross financial mismanagement of Federation resources.
         8. Charge 3.h. Missing litter invoicing.
            1. Evidence indicated that approximately eight litter invoices were not issued, captured, or properly recorded. SvK attributed these failures to poor office administration and shortcomings by staff members.
            2. While administrative difficulties may exist, responsibility for ensuring proper invoicing procedures ultimately rests with the responsible administrative authority.
            3. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of administrative and financial mismanagement for failing to ensure proper invoicing controls and financial oversight.
         9. Charge 3.i. Missing invoices for tattoo ink.
            1. Evidence suggested that stock items, including tattoo ink, were issued without proper invoicing or record-keeping. SvK did not provide a clear explanation or supporting documentation to reconcile the records.
            2. Although governance weaknesses were identified, the evidence presented did not conclusively establish responsibility for the irregularity.
            3. FINDING: While administrative shortcomings are evident, the available evidence is insufficient to establish liability on a balance of probabilities. The charge is therefore dismissed.
         10. Charge 3.j. Website listings not invoiced.
             1. Evidence indicated that kennel website listings were provided without invoicing or payment to the Federation. FvK asserted that such listings were provided free of charge pursuant to an agreement, however no documentary evidence supporting this claim was produced.
             2. Evidence further indicated that Grehenheim Kennels benefitted from such listings while FvK simultaneously received consulting fees in his capacity as webmaster.
             3. FINDING: FvK is found guilty of misappropriation of Federation resources.
         11. Charge 3.k. Dogs exhibited without entry fees.
             1. Evidence established that dogs owned by the Respondents were entered in Breed Shows without the required entry fees being invoiced or paid. No satisfactory explanation was provided for the failure to issue or settle the relevant invoices.
             2. FINDING: Both Respondents are found guilty of administrative and financial mismanagement.
         12. Charge 3.l. R156,000 judge ticket irregularity.
             1. The use of FvK’s personal Investec account is noted; however, the overpayment should have been identified, declared, and repaid without delay.
             2. Evidence demonstrated that an overpayment relating to judges travel expenses was not declared, detected or reconciled timeously. The subsequent back-dated journal entry raises concerns regarding the accuracy and transparency of the accounting records.
             3. FINDING: Both FvK and SvK are found guilty of gross financial and administrative negligence.
         13. Charge 3.m. Hosting fee irregularities.
             1. Evidence indicated that upfront payments relating to website hosting were effected without documented Federation EXCO approval. No record was presented confirming that a 30-day notice period was required for the termination of website hosting services.
             2. FINDING: FvK is found guilty of administrative mismanagement.
         14. Charge 3.n. Outstanding balance / interest.
             1. Evidence established that Account 21 was frequently in arrears and not maintained in good standing. Despite being afforded extended time to respond, the Respondents did not clearly identify or substantiate disputed statement items.
             2. FINDING: The Respondents are found guilty of administrative mismanagement.
      2. Consolidated Finding – Charge 3:
         1. The evidence collectively reveals a pattern of inadequate financial governance, poor administrative controls, and repeated failures in proper financial oversight.
         2. The absence of documentary approvals, inconsistent financial records, and incomplete administrative documentation raises serious concerns regarding compliance with acceptable governance standards.
         3. The Committee accordingly finds that multiple instances of negligent and grossly negligent financial administration were established on a balance of probabilities which constitute a serious breach of fiduciary responsibility.
      3. Consolidated Sanction – Charge 3:
         1. Both Respondents are barred for life from holding any Federation office, committee, sub-committee, EXCO, or any other position within the Federation.
            In addition:
         2. SvK is ordered to repay to the Federation the amount of R1,300.00, being the overpayment received in relation to Charge 3(d) for a purported consultation fee. Payment must be made within seven (7) days of the date of this ruling.
         3. SvK is ordered to repay to the Federation the full amount of R10,500.00, being the unauthorised bonus received by her in relation to Charge 3(e). Payment must be made within seven (7) days of the date of this ruling.
         4. SvK is ordered to re-pay to the Federation the amount of R14 827.26 being personal expenses charged to the Federation account in relation to Charge 3 (g). It is noted that this debt has since been settled on SvK’s account.
         5. FvK and SvK are ordered to regularise and settle all outstanding litter registrations identified in relation to Charge 3(h) and to pay the applicable registration fees to the Federation in the amount of R6,675.00. Payment must be made within seven (7) days of the date of this ruling.
         6. FvK and SvK are ordered to pay the full value of all website advertisements placed for Grehenheim Kennels, as identified in relation to Charge 3(j), which were not invoiced or paid for. The Federation shall issue the necessary invoices reflecting the applicable advertising fees, and payment must be made within seven (7) days of the date of such invoice.
         7. FvK and SvK are ordered to pay all outstanding exhibition entry fees relating to dogs exhibited under their kennel name or ownership, as identified in relation to Charge 3(k), which were not previously invoiced or paid. The Federation shall issue the necessary invoices, and payment must be made within seven (7) days of the date of such invoice.
   4. Charge 4: SV Membership.
      1. Evidence indicates that the Federation paid for FvK’s personal SV membership fees. No documentation was produced demonstrating that this payment was authorised or approved by the Federation EXCO. The payment, therefore, constituted an unauthorised personal benefit derived from Federation funds.
      2. The absence of documentary approval, together with incomplete financial records, raises significant concerns regarding compliance with the Federation’s governance standards and financial controls.
      3. FINDING: The expenditure should have been properly disclosed to and approved by EXCO before being incurred. Notwithstanding this, and having regard to the limited nature of the expenditure and the absence of evidence of intentional misconduct, no separate sanction is warranted in respect of this item.
      4. SANCTION: The charge is withdrawn and dismissed.
   5. Charge 5: Wazuri Litter Kennel.
      1. Evidence reflects irregular kennel documentation, inaccurate breeding information, and deficiencies in the proper recording and administration of breeding rights, irregular documentation relating to breeding information, and inadequate record-keeping concerning ownership transfers.
      2. Both Respondents were involved in the administration of the relevant kennel records and are responsible for ensuring that accurate documentation was submitted to the Federation.
      3. These failures constitute breaches of the Federation’s administrative standards governing kennel registrations and litter administration.
      4. FINDING: Both Respondents are found guilty of kennel mismanagement and administrative irregularities relating to the Wazuri litter records.
      5. SANCTION: FvK and SvK are ordered to pay a fine of R2 150 to the Federation within seven (7) days of the date of this ruling.
   6. Charge 6: Response to IAD Warning.
      1. Evidence presented indicates that the charge was subsequently withdrawn and that the rule allegedly contravened had not been formally incorporated into the governing ordinance at the relevant time.
      2. FINDING: The charge is withdrawn and dismissed.
   7. Charge 7: Distribution of Rebuttal Document.
      1. Evidence presented indicates that the document was circulated by a third party, identified as Ms Simone S van Kraayenburg. No conclusive evidence was produced linking the Respondents directly to the dissemination of the document.
      2. The available evidence does not establish that the Respondents authorised, directed, or participated in the distribution.
      3. FINDING: The charge is dismissed.
   8. Charge 8: Alleged Telephonic Defamation of Executive Members.
      1. The charge alleges that defamatory statements concerning members of the Federation Executive were communicated telephonically through a third party. The evidence relied primarily on hearsay statements regarding alleged communications made by Ms Simone S van Kraayenburg.
      2. The available evidence does not establish that the Respondents authorised, directed, or instructed such statements to be made.
      3. FINDING: The charge is dismissed.
   9. Charge 9: Harassment Case.
      1. The charge relates to allegations that form part of separate pending litigation proceedings before our Honourable High Court. It would therefore be inappropriate for the Committee to determine matters that are the subject of judicial determination.
      2. The charge is dismissed.
   10. Charge 10: Council Meeting Attendance.
       1. Evidence indicates that SvK attended a restricted Federation Council meeting. The meeting in question had been designated as restricted, and access was limited to authorised members only. SvK obtained access to confidential information during the meeting despite the absence of proper authorisation.
       2. The conduct represents a breach of internal governance protocols concerning restricted Council proceedings and confidentiality.
       3. FINDING: SvK is found guilty of administrative mismanagement, improper conduct, and unauthorised access to confidential information and the Federation Council meeting.
       4. SANCTION: SvK shall be barred from being nominated or elected to any Federation committee, sub-committee or EXCO for the period of 5 years, starting on the day of this ruling.

Essential Findings

1. The evidence collectively reveals a pattern characterised by the absence of documentary approvals, inadequate administrative controls, incomplete documentation, inconsistent financial records, deficient governance practices, and repeated failures in proper financial oversight.
   
2. On a balance of probabilities, the Committee finds that Mr FJ van Kraayenburg and Mrs S van Kraayenburg committed multiple instances of negligent and grossly negligent administrative governance and financial misconduct, constituting serious breaches of their fiduciary responsibilities to the Federation and its members.
   

Overall Sanction

1. In determining the appropriate sanction, the Committee considered the relevant aggravating and mitigating factors, including the duration and seniority of the positions held by the Respondents, the repeated nature of the irregularities identified, the absence of proper disclosure and authorisation, any restitution tendered or offered, and the reputational harm caused to the Federation and its governance structures.
2. The Committee finds that the cumulative pattern of conduct demonstrates deficient governance, inconsistent financial administration, repeated failures in financial oversight, gross mismanagement of Federation resources, serious failures in administrative governance, and breaches of fiduciary duties.
   
3. In light of the cumulative seriousness of the findings and the pattern of misconduct established, the Committee determines that both Mr FJ van Kraayenburg and Mrs S van Kraayenburg are banned for life from membership of the Federation and are permanently disqualified from holding any office within the Federation, including but not limited to Executive Committee, committee, or sub-committee positions, as well as from judging, breeding under Federation registration, or participating in any Federation-related activities.
   
4. The Respondents membership is hereby cancelled with immediate effect. The Respondents shall cease forthwith to represent themselves in any capacity as members, officials, representatives, judges, breeders, or participants within the Federation or any Federation-recognised structures.
   

Signed and published at Durban on the 13th day of March 2026
Cheryl Pretorius
Christo Appel
Averil Webbstock