Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
- Sascoc president Barry Hendricks has been suspended while anonymous complaints against him go through the organisation’s judicial process.
- His suspension adds to investigations and suspensions involving senior leaders in athletics, swimming, karate and netball.
South African sport has been hit by another leadership controversy after Sascoc president Barry Hendricks was suspended with immediate effect.
The SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee announced the temporary suspension on Wednesday while an internal process continues.
Retired judge Basheer Waglay was appointed to investigate several anonymous complaints against Hendricks.
Sascoc said Waglay found enough initial evidence for the complaints to be referred to the organisation’s judicial body for further action.
The organisation stressed that Hendricks had not been found guilty of wrongdoing.
“The suspension does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing,” Sascoc said.
It said the move was necessary to protect the organisation and allow a fair investigation.
Reports cited by The Citizen said anonymous emails accused Hendricks of, among other things, trying to persuade board members to support a preferred candidate for an empty seat on Sascoc’s executive committee.
Those allegations will now go through Sascoc’s judicial process.
Vice-president Lwandile Simelane will temporarily take over as head of the board.
Hendricks is the latest senior South African sports official to face suspension or investigation.
Athletics SA president James Moloi and Swimming SA president Alan Fritz have also been suspended.
The entire Karate South Africa executive committee remains suspended by the World Karate Federation, including president Sonny Pillay.
World Netball is also investigating former Netball SA president Cecilia Molokwane on various charges. She has since been replaced as president.
Pictured above: Barry Hendricks.
Image source: Barry Hendricks/Facebook
