Barry Hendricks: Basketball SA is not shut down, but serious change is unavoidable

However, he conceded that BSA is battling serious administrative and governance challenges that cannot be ignored.

Hendricks revealed that new leadership will be put in place, with elections scheduled for later this year under SASCOC supervision — a move he believes will restore credibility and stability within the sport.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Hendricks dismissed talk of a shutdown as misleading and sensational, arguing that basketball activities are still taking place across the country. 

"Basketball is not shut down, if basketball was shut down that means basketball competitions won't take place and athletes won't be representing the country to various competitions,” Hendricks said.

“What we are looking for is a change in basketball. They were supposed to go through elections, we are now working with basketball and the government to structure basketball in all provinces, just like we did with chess,we went into every province to ensure that the provinces are stabilised and secure and are working under good governance and then we'll facilitate the election process as well."

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The former Gauteng Sports Confederation president told the national broadcaster that BSA remains a recognised member of SASCOC despite the public storm surrounding its status. 

He stressed that efforts are underway behind the scenes to help the federation “put its house in order” amid mounting scrutiny.

Hendricks made it clear that SASCOC has never issued any formal decision to dissolve or suspend BSA. 

While the minister may have withdrawn recognition, Hendricks insisted that such authority does not extend to shutting down a federation that falls under SASCOC structures — a statement likely to fuel further debate within sporting circles.

"Yes, basketball is still running, competitions are still happening. Basketball is not closed down, we simply said that we want to enhance the process to facilitate proper elections as we go forward but we have to do it through the provinces,” he explained.

“They are still members of SASCOC, they are suspended by government or not recognised by government but government doesn't suspend, SASCOC suspends and they haven't been suspended by SASCOC."