Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing parliamentary scrutiny after his department spent R31 million on an official delegation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Gauteng legislature speaker Morakane Mosupyoe has come under fire for a R5.9 million trip to Venezuela in November 2025. Parliamentary hearings on 6 August saw McKenzie leave early, leading to criticism from opposition parties who accuse the minister of avoiding questions about the expenditure.<\/p>\n
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said the R30.9 million World Cup outlay covered official travel, a 2010 Legends Exhibition Match, hospitality suites, match tickets, fan engagement, and cultural programmes. Department representatives insisted there was “nothing to hide” and described the programme as focused on promoting South Africa during an international event.<\/p>\n
Minister McKenzie, through a statement on 16 July, confirmed that a detailed cost breakdown of the World Cup delegation\u2019s expenditure would be provided to Parliament once finalised. Department officials reiterated the expenditure was in line with the department\u2019s mandate to promote the country on the global stage.<\/p>\n
Leah Potgieter, an opposition MP speaking after the parliamentary hearing, stated, “We see this as blatant absconding of his legal duty to account to parliament. It is an act of defiance and shows that he has something to hide.” This sentiment has echoed broader public frustration about spending priorities amid ongoing socio-economic challenges in South Africa.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Gauteng legislature speaker Morakane Mosupyoe is also under pressure over a R5.9 million trip to Venezuela in late 2025. Both incidents have intensified calls for stricter oversight on the use of public funds for international travel by government officials, with opposition parties demanding full transparency and justification for such expenditure.<\/p>\n
Parliament is expected to review the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s detailed breakdown once submitted, while the Gauteng legislature faces continued demands for accountability regarding Mosupyoe’s Venezuela trip.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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