Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing fresh pressure over nearly R31 million spent during South Africa’s trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
McKenzie appeared before Parliament’s portfolio committee on sport, arts and culture on Tuesday, 4 August 2026. Committee members expected detailed answers about the department’s North American trip and the costs linked to it.
However, officials repeated information previously given to Parliament. They said a full expenditure report was still being finalised.
McKenzie then left the meeting before all detailed questions were answered, prompting criticism from opposition MPs.
DA accuses McKenzie of avoiding scrutiny
DA committee member Leah Potgieter accused McKenzie of leaving early to avoid his duty to account to Parliament.
She said the party would use parliamentary processes to bring him back before the committee.
Potgieter described his departure as “blatant absconding” and claimed it showed he had something to hide.
McKenzie’s office was approached for comment on the allegation.
R30.9 million spending breakdown
In a written parliamentary response, McKenzie confirmed that at least R30.9 million had been spent on the trip.
The amount included R7.8 million for travel involving 14 department officials. Another R6.7 million was spent on a legends match.
The department also spent R3.6 million on hospitality suites and R3 million on 294 match tickets.
A further R10 million went towards activities linked to fan engagement.
McKenzie said the final amount had not yet been confirmed. The department was still waiting for reconciled figures from its travel agent and other service providers.
A consolidated close-out report is expected once all invoices, claims and sponsorship accounts have been reconciled.
McKenzie hits back at funding critics
Before the committee appearance, McKenzie criticised sports federations that had questioned government funding.
He said Parliament approves a fixed budget that must be shared among more than 60 national sports federations.
McKenzie argued that federations must also raise their own money and operate more commercially.
The spending dispute is expected to remain under scrutiny until the department releases its final report and McKenzie answers the committee’s outstanding questions.
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