South Africa's Arts Minister Gayton McKenzie Faces Scrutiny Over R31 m World Cup Spending

Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed that South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture allocated an estimated R31 million of public funds to support a delegation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The spending covered travel and accommodation for 18 departmental officials, a 14‑member project team, two support staff, the director‑general, as well as 20 artists and cultural participants, plus activities such as a legends exhibition match, hospitality suites and fan‑engagement programmes.

Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA, have demanded a detailed, traveller‑by‑traveller breakdown of the costs, arguing that the department has provided only vague estimates. They plan to press the minister to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture and to release the names and expenses of all participants. McKenzie said the department is finalising a reconciliation that will list full details and reiterated his intention to make the receipts public.