Minister Gayton McKenzie on why he shut down Basketball South Africa

The outspoken minister did not mince his words, describing the federation as dysfunctional and poorly administered. 

He said he could not justify allocating funding to an organisation he believes is in disarray and failing to meet basic governance standards.

McKenzie stressed that the federation’s affairs are in serious need of intervention and warned that any sporting body that does not comply with the department’s regulations could face similar consequences. 

"Basketball SA, I closed them down, I'm not here for nonsense, if you can't show, you must get people that can do the work. It's due to everything, basketball has done everything that they can do wrong, they've done wrong,” McKenzie said.

“There's nothing they've done right, they don't even speak to the NBA people, what nonsense is that? It's like neighbours that don't talk to each other. Basketball is the beginning, I'm gonna close down others that are not doing the right thing."

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The minister urged Basketball South Africa to put its affairs in order if it hopes to restore its working relationship with the department. 

He outlined clear conditions that must be met before any future engagement or funding can be considered, emphasising that accountability and proper governance are non-negotiable.

"You need to understand that basketball is the fastest growing sport in South Africa. You need to get your finances in order. You need to get the international commitments you made to FIBA, you need to follow that through,” he explained. “You need to make sure that there's proper developments, you need to make sure that you make the game accessible to all. So, I hope I've answered you."