Gayton McKenzie Warns More Suspensions Are Coming Amid SA Sport Governance Crisis
- Gayton McKenzie has addressed the latest leadership turmoil affecting major sporting organisations in South Africa
- The Sports Minister has indicated that the recent suspensions may not be the end of the governance shake-up
- Several senior administrators are currently facing suspensions or ongoing disciplinary processes
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Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has warned that more suspensions could follow as South African sport faces increased scrutiny over governance and leadership.
McKenzie made the statement on 11 September 2026 after responding to a post highlighting the growing number of disciplinary developments involving sporting administrators.
“This is a direct consequence of us changing things in sport,” McKenzie wrote on X.
“Gone are the days when wrongdoing goes unpunished; expect more suspensions soon.”
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He added:
“We will fix things and deal with those that saw themselves as untouchables.”
His comments came just two days after South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) president Barry Hendricks was suspended with immediate effect.
SASCOC suspension adds to sport governance crisis
SASCOC announced Hendricks' suspension on 9 September following an investigation into anonymous complaints concerning alleged breaches of its Safeguarding Policy and Codes Handbook.
SABC News reports that retired Judge Basheer Waglay investigated the complaints and found prima facie evidence warranting referral to the SASCOC Judicial Body.
However, SASCOC stressed that the suspension does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
“The Board and Management note that everybody is presumed innocent until proven guilty in an appropriate forum,” the organisation said.
First Vice-President Lwandile Simelane has assumed Hendricks' presidential functions while the internal process continues.
Swimming and athletics leaders also suspended
The development came shortly after the Aquatics Integrity Unit provisionally suspended Swimming South Africa president Alan Fritz and chief executive Shaun Adriaanse on 24 August 2026.
The integrity body said the pair faced potential violations including alleged abuse of power and the provision of false information and fake documents.
Athletics South Africa president James Moloi also remains suspended while his disciplinary matter continues.
The Citizen reported earlier this month that the presidents of swimming, athletics and netball had all been suspended over the previous 16 months, with their respective processes still ongoing.
McKenzie's latest warning therefore comes against a backdrop of multiple unresolved governance cases. His statement indicates that further action could follow, although no additional suspensions have been officially announced as of 15 September 2026.
The developments will keep attention on how South African sporting bodies handle allegations, disciplinary procedures and accountability.
South African fans turn Baltimore into a home Test
Briefly News also reported that a South African family’s extraordinary 2,400 km road trip from Houston to Baltimore attracted praise from Gayton McKenzie after the Springboks’ 43-28 victory over the All Blacks on 12 September 2026.
McKenzie praised the family and the wider South African diaspora, while Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus also highlighted the strong support the team received inside M&T Bank Stadium.
The travelling fans helped create a familiar atmosphere during the historic US encounter.
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Source: Briefly News
