SUSPENDED: SASCOC removes president Barry Hendricks over ethics and governance complaints

South African sport faces yet another setback as SASCOC president Barry Hendricks has been suspended immediately following a series of ethics and governance complaints. SASCOC, the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee, announced the decision in an official notice to its members. The executive team determined that Hendricks would be suspended from his presidential duties pending further investigation.

The allegations against Hendricks stem from anonymous complaints claiming violations of the organization's Safeguarding Policy and Codes Handbook. A retired judge, Basheer Waglay, has been appointed to investigate the claims, and his report found sufficient prima facie evidence to refer the matter to the SASCOC Judicial Body. SASCOC stressed that the suspension is a procedural step aimed at safeguarding the integrity and independence of the process, reiterating that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

To maintain leadership continuity, First Vice-President Lwandile Simelane has taken over Hendricks' presidential functions. SASCOC also noted that the matter is currently under investigation and that no further public comments will be made while internal proceedings are ongoing. This executive upheaval comes at a time when Swimming South Africa is experiencing its own turmoil, with its president and CEO facing provisional suspensions for alleged abuse of power and falsifying official documents.

Additionally, Swimming South Africa is embroiled in a legal dispute with South Africa's most decorated Olympic champion, Tatjana Smith, and is dealing with a breakdown in relations with South Africa Water Polo.