Gayton McKenzie breaks silence on R30.95m World Cup spend
· The South African
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended his department’s estimated R30.95 million FIFA World Cup programme after the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA questioned whether taxpayers received value for money.
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In responses to questions from The South African, McKenzie said the programme extended far beyond supporting Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He argued that it also created economic and cultural opportunities for South Africa.
“It was about far more than football”
The DA and ActionSA have criticised the expenditure, saying government should account for how public money was spent.
McKenzie said the programme formed part of a broader strategy to showcase South Africa internationally.
“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and South Africa had not qualified for the tournament in 16 years before earning its place in 2026,” he said.
“This programme was about far more than football.”
He said the department supported Bafana Bafana while promoting South Africa through activations in three host cities.
According to McKenzie, the initiative also created opportunities for South African artists, exhibitors and creatives, while promoting tourism, trade, investment and cultural diplomacy.
“It was a strategic programme with sporting, economic and cultural benefits for the country,” he told The South African.
Minister backs parliamentary oversight
The DA has called on McKenzie to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture to explain the expenditure.
Asked whether he would support such an appearance, McKenzie said he remains accountable to Parliament.
“The Minister remains accountable to Parliament and will engage through the appropriate parliamentary processes.”
Final costs still being reconciled
ActionSA has called for the immediate release of a detailed breakdown of the expenditure, including the Minister’s individual travel costs.
McKenzie said the department is still completing the reconciliation process.
“The Department is finalising the reconciliation process and will release the information through the appropriate accountability processes once completed.”
Community sport remains a priority
ActionSA has argued that government should prioritise investment in community sports facilities and national teams instead of international travel and hospitality.
McKenzie rejected that criticism.
He said the department continues to invest in community sport, sports infrastructure and national teams while also pursuing international opportunities that create economic opportunities for South African businesses and creatives.
He added that promoting the country abroad forms part of the department’s broader mandate.
Department insists spending complied with the law
Responding to concerns about transparency, McKenzie said all expenditure complied with government procurement rules and public finance legislation.
“All expenditure was incurred in accordance with the applicable government procurement legislation and public financial management prescripts,” he said.
He added that the department welcomes scrutiny.
“The Department welcomes oversight and remains committed to transparency, accountability and ensuring that South Africa derives maximum value from strategic international opportunities that benefit our sport, arts, culture, tourism and economy.”