AfriForum requests urgent access to McKenzie’s Soccer World Cup expenditure details
AfriForum has requested detailed information – in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) – regarding the trip taken by Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, to attend the 2026 FIFA Soccer World Cup in North America. The organisation submitted the request to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture earlier today.
The PAIA application comes amid widespread controversy around the revelation that the Department shelled out nearly R31 million on this trip. Available information indicates that this massive sum was used to cover the international travel costs of an 18-member departmental delegation, a legends exhibition match, hospitality suites, match tickets, and fan-related events featuring 30 artists.
The media statement issued by the Minister on Sunday regarding the expenditure contains no supporting documentation for the exorbitant amounts listed. AfriForum has, therefore, requested to see the full invoices and audits for this trip, as well as other relevant financial documents.
According to Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at AfriForum, the numbers quoted by the minister do not add up. “There is no way a trip of this nature could have cost that much unless funds were grossly mismanaged or spent on luxuries. The public therefore deserves clarity,” explains Van Zyl.
“Instead of using the R31 million on sport bursaries, upgrading sport facilities at underprivileged schools, or even supporting the national hockey team – which faces a severe lack of financial backing – it appears that this massive sum was spent on expensive hotels and dining out at fancy restaurants. Shameless,” concludes Van Zyl.
