Barry Hendricks Suspended by SASCOC As Retired Judge Recommends Further Action
- SASCOC suspended its president, Barry Hendricks, with immediate effect after anonymous complaints were submitted to the board
- Retired Judge Basheer Waglay investigated the allegations and found prima facie evidence warranting referral to a judicial body
- First Vice-President Lwandile Simelane will assume presidential duties during the suspension period until the matter is resolved
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Source: UGC
SASCOC president Barry Hendricks has been suspended with immediate effect after an investigation into anonymous complaints concerning his conduct and the organisation’s policies. The decision was taken during a special SASCOC Board meeting on 7 and 8 September 2026 and announced on 9 September.
Retired Judge Basheer Waglay examined the complaints and recommended referring the allegations to the SASCOC Judicial Body after finding prima facie evidence warranting further action.
That recommendation does not amount to a finding that Hendricks committed wrongdoing.
Retired judge recommends judicial referral
SASCOC said the suspension was intended to protect the independence of the process while the complaints are considered.
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“The suspension does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing,” the organisation said, adding that the measure would allow the matters to be considered “thoroughly and impartially”.
The Board also stressed that Hendricks remains presumed innocent until proven otherwise in the appropriate forum.
Lwandile Simelane steps in as acting president
During the suspension, First Vice-President Lwandile Simelane will carry out the duties of president, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the SASCOC Constitution. The arrangement is designed to ensure continuity and stable leadership within the organisation.
SASCOC said it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability and good governance in sport administration.
The board and management have requested that the independent processes outlined in the SASCOC Constitution and By-Laws be allowed to proceed without interference.
"No further comments will be made by the organisation until the internal processes are completed," the board said.
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Hendricks retains the presumption of innocence while the judicial process unfolds. SASCOC oversees South Africa's high-performance, Olympic and Paralympic sporting structures, making the stability of its leadership a matter of significant national sporting importance.
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SASCOC previously raised funding concerns with Gayton McKenzie
Briefly News previously reported that SASCOC had accused Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie of unlawfully cutting government funding to South African sports bodies.
In September 2025, SASCOC President Barry Hendricks said some federations had suffered grant reductions of up to 60%, while the organisation itself was left without government funding.
The matter came months before SASCOC suspended Hendricks in September 2026 following separate complaints about alleged breaches of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and Codes Handbook.
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Source: Briefly News
