Sascoc president Barry Hendricks suspended in South Africa

In South Africa, Barry Hendricks, president of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), has been suspended from his position pending an investigation into alleged violations of the organization’s safeguarding policy and codes handbook. The decision was made by the Sascoc board on September 9, Daily Maverick reports.

Sascoc said the basis for the decision was anonymous complaints submitted to the board. To examine them, the organization appointed retired judge Bashir Vally. In his report, he stated that there were prima facie grounds to refer the complaints to Sascoc’s legal body for further consideration.

Suspension does not mean guilt

The Sascoc board stressed that the suspension does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing by Hendricks. According to the organization’s statement, the decision is necessary to preserve its integrity and conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. It also noted that every person is considered innocent until guilt is proven through the appropriate procedure.

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During the review, Sascoc vice president Lwandile Simelane will perform the president’s duties. The organization said this should ensure continuity of leadership and operational stability.

Hendricks’ second suspension

This is Hendricks’ second suspension during his time in Sascoc leadership. Ahead of the 2020 elections, when he was acting president, he was accused of trying to prevent certain rivals from taking part in the election. Hendricks denied the allegations; he was later cleared, after which he won the election and became the organization’s permanent head.

In 2024, Hendricks was re-elected unopposed for a second consecutive term, which was to last until the period after the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Before his latest suspension, he publicly criticized governance problems in South African sports federations, particularly in netball, athletics, football and swimming.

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