Drama as SASCOC suspends its president Barry Hendricks
· The South African
The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has suspended its president, Barry Hendricks, with immediate effect following complaints alleging breaches of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and Codes Handbook.
SASCOC said the decision was taken in accordance with its governance protocols and ongoing internal review processes.
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The complaints were submitted anonymously to the SASCOC Board, which subsequently appointed retired Judge Basheer Waglay to investigate the allegations.
Judge recommends further action
According to SASCOC, Judge Waglay found prima facie evidence warranting the referral of the complaints to the SASCOC Judicial Body for further action.
The organisation stressed that Hendricks’ suspension does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
SASCOC said the measure was necessary to protect the integrity of the organisation and allow the allegations to be investigated through a thorough and impartial process.
“The Board notes that everybody is presumed innocent until proven guilty in an appropriate forum,” SASCOC said.
The matter is now sub judice, with the organisation requesting that all parties respect due process.
Simelane to take over presidential duties
During Barry Hendricks’ suspension, his presidential responsibilities will be carried out by SASCOC First Vice-President Lwandile Simelane.
The arrangement is in line with the relevant provisions of the SASCOC Constitution and is intended to ensure continuity and stability within the organisation.
SASCOC said it remains committed to maintaining high standards of transparency, accountability and good governance in South African sport administration.
The Board and management have called for the independent processes provided for in the organisation’s Constitution and By-Laws to be allowed to run their course.
No further comment for now
SASCOC said the matter remains subject to the internal processes and therefore declined to provide further details at this stage.
“No further comments will be made by the organisation until the internal processes are completed,” the Board said.
The suspension comes as SASCOC continues its work overseeing South Africa’s high-performance and Olympic and Paralympic sporting structures.
For now, Hendricks remains entitled to the presumption of innocence while the allegations are considered through the organisation’s judicial processes.