Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is set to face renewed questions over the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s spending on its delegation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
McKenzie and department officials are scheduled to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday, 25 August at 17:30.
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The appearance follows a contentious committee meeting on 4 August, when members raised concerns about the Department’s presentation on the World Cup delegation and related expenditure.
Provide detailed account of spendingThe Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Gayton McKenzie to provide a detailed account of the estimated R31 million spent on the delegation and to explain the rationale behind the inclusion of 151 delegates.
DA spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture Leah Potgieter MP is expected to again press the Gayton McKenzie and his department for detailed information on the delegation.
Among the questions the DA wants answered are the full names, qualifications and relevant experience of all 151 delegates, as well as their respective roles and responsibilities.
The party also wants the department to provide an account of what each delegate did during the World Cup and details of meetings and engagements involving the minister and delegation members.
A detailed breakdown of the estimated R31 million expenditure is also being sought, including the costs attributable to individual delegates.
Sponsorships and return on investment
The DA is further calling for full disclosure of sponsorships received in connection with the delegation.
It also wants the department to demonstrate what tangible benefits South Africa received in return for the expenditure.
According to the party, the report should provide measurable outcomes relating to South African sport, arts, culture, tourism and associated industries.
The renewed scrutiny comes after committee members previously rejected what the DA described as an inadequate presentation and called for a more comprehensive report.
Justified
The committee is now expected to examine whether the department has supplied the detailed information requested and whether the expenditure can be adequately justified.
The World Cup delegation and its associated costs have attracted political scrutiny, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency over the use of public funds.
Gayton McKenzie and the department will have an opportunity to respond to the concerns when they appear before the committee on Tuesday.
The meeting is expected to place the focus firmly on how the delegation was constituted, how public money was spent and what measurable outcomes were achieved from South Africa’s participation at the tournament.