Gayton McKenzie Under Fire Over R31 Million 2026 FIFA World Cup Trip
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie is under mounting political pressure after details emerged that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spent nearly R31 million on its delegation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The expenditure, disclosed through parliamentary replies, has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the money could have been better invested in grassroots sport, struggling national federations and deteriorating sporting facilities across the country.
The reported costs covered travel, accommodation, hospitality, match tickets, an exhibition match involving members of the 2010 Bafana Bafana squad, and support for South African cultural initiatives during the tournament.
ActionSA has been among the strongest critics of the expenditure.
In a statement released on Monday, ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James revealed that R7.9 million was spent on travel alone for an 18-member delegation that included the minister.
James argued that South Africans deserve a detailed explanation of how public funds were spent, particularly at a time when many communities lack basic sporting infrastructure.
She said taxpayers are entitled to question whether spending close to R31 million on a World Cup delegation represents value for money, especially while sports facilities continue to deteriorate and many young athletes compete with limited support.
The Democratic Alliance has also called for McKenzie to appear before Parliament to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditure.
Among the issues raised by critics is the inclusion of artists, influencers and financial support for 20 artists as part of South Africa’s nation-branding programme during the tournament.
Opposition parties argue that while international promotion has value, government priorities should first address the challenges facing grassroots sport and domestic sporting structures.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr. Gayton McKenzie (Image: DSAC)
McKenzie has dismissed suggestions that the trip amounted to personal extravagance.
According to the minister, the delegation formed part of a broader strategy to promote South Africa internationally while supporting local artists and showcasing the country’s culture during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Responding to growing scrutiny, McKenzie has pledged to publicly release a full itemised breakdown of the spending.
The controversy has reignited debate over how government resources should be allocated between international sporting events and investment in local sport.
McKenzie’s department has previously faced scrutiny over official travel, including costs associated with the Paris Olympic Games, where reports indicated that the minister’s own trip amounted to roughly R800,000.
Supporters of the delegation argue that South Africa’s visibility at global events such as the FIFA World Cup strengthens the country’s international profile and provides valuable exposure for both sport and culture, particularly during a tournament featuring Bafana Bafana.
However, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and Parliament expected to examine the expenditure more closely, the focus has now shifted from events on the football pitch to questions over accountability and the use of public funds.