R31m World Cup spending row: McKenzie accused of dribbling committee

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Picture: OJ Koloti/Gallo Images Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has left parliamentarians dissatisfied with a surface-level presentation on his department’s much-publicised trip to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. McKenzie appeared before the sports, art and culture portfolio committee on Tuesday, where he was expected to answer questions on alleged wasteful expenditure linked to over R30 million spent on the department’s North American party.

Department officials presented information previously provided to parliament, with McKenzie and officials saying a detailed expenditure report was yet to be finalised. Committee member for the DA Leah Potgieter accused the minister of leaving early and said the party would invoke parliamentary processes to force McKenzie to return to face the committee. “Running from Parliament is unforgivable.

He can run, but he cannot hide from this. South Africa demands answers,” Potgieter stated on Tuesday evening. McKenzie’s office was contacted byThe Citizenon Wednesday morning for comment on his alleged abrupt departure.

[paywall]

Their response will be included once received. Addressing a written parliamentary question posed by Potgieter following South Africa’s return from the tournament, McKenzie confirmed at least R30.9 million had been spent on the trip. This included R7.8 million on travel for 14 department officials, R6.7 million on one legend’s match, R3.6 million on hospitality suites, R3 million on 294 match tickets and R10 million on “activities linked to fan engagement”.

However, the amount has not been finalised, with a full report yet to be compiled. “Now that travel has concluded, the department has requested final reconciled figures from the travel agent and other service providers. “A consolidated close-out report will follow once all invoices, claims, and sponsorship/partner accounts have been reconciled,” McKenzie’s written response confirmed.

[/paywall]