McKenzie defends R31m FIFA World Cup bill, says spending was for national promotion
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has defended government spending linked to South Africa's participation at the FIFA World Cup, saying the approximately R31 million expenditure was a legitimate investment in tourism, culture, sport and international promotion.
McKenzie issued the statement following questions raised in Parliament and in the media about the cost of South Africa's World Cup delegation, insisting that the expenditure was openly disclosed and aligned with his department's mandate.
He said the figure did not represent money spent on himself, but covered a broader programme involving more than 150 participants, including officials, artists, cultural representatives and programme support teams.
"The implication has been that I spent R31 million on myself, instead of it being distributed among 75 people, along with the project delivery service provider, with as much as half of the rest of the total delegation sponsored."
According to the minister, R7.86 million was spent on the official delegation responsible for delivering the programme, covering flights, accommodation, transport, travel insurance, allowances and other approved travel costs.
He said the delegation included officials responsible for logistics, communications, protocol, governance and programme delivery, as well as South African artists and cultural representatives.
"People don't organise an international programme on Zoom. You need the right people on the ground."
A further R6.71 million was allocated to the South Africa 2010 Legends Programme, which included a match between 2010 Bafana Bafana legends and Mexico's 2010 legends.
McKenzie said R3.36 million was spent on official hospitality venues in Atlanta and Monterrey, which he described as working spaces for engagements with investors, sponsors, football officials and international partners.
He added that R3.01 million covered 294 official FIFA match tickets across three host cities as part of the approved activation and engagement programme.
The largest portion of the expenditure, R10 million, was allocated to establishing South Africa's physical presence at the World Cup through exhibition spaces in Mexico City, Atlanta and Monterrey.
McKenzie said the funding covered the design, construction and installation of the pavilions, including branding, technical equipment, logistics, security and operational costs.
He argued that the programme allowed South African musicians, chefs, artists and businesses to showcase the country's culture, products and investment opportunities to a global audience.
"That is not wasteful spending - it is nation building, economic promotion and creating opportunities for South Africans."
REJECTION OF WRONGDOING CLAIMS
McKenzie rejected claims that the expenditure was improper, saying the programme was implemented through approved departmental processes and remained subject to financial controls.
"Spending a departmental budget on the department's mandate is not, in itself, a wrongdoing."
The minister challenged anyone with evidence of improper allocation, corruption or personal benefit to submit it to Parliament, the Auditor-General or law enforcement agencies.
He said his own travel costs amounted to just over R1 million over a five-week period, which included flights, accommodation and insurance.
McKenzie said he avoided additional costs by declining dedicated drivers, using shared transport where possible, rejecting state protocol lounges and not claiming a subsistence and travel allowance of R55 000.
He also denied claims that state funds were used to pay for his family members who joined him during part of the trip.
"My family paid for their own flights and accommodation, in full. Not one rand of that was state money."
WORLD CUP 'AN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY '
McKenzie said South Africa used the World Cup as an opportunity for cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion and investment attraction.
He highlighted engagements in Mexico City, Atlanta, Monterrey and Los Angeles, including meetings with cultural and sporting officials, investment discussions and promotional events.
He said South Africa's presence at the tournament helped showcase the country internationally.
"At a time when detractors were trying to spread a message that South Africa is a xenophobic country, we were there, showing the world a friendly, positive face."
The minister said South Africa had to compete with other nations seeking to attract major international events, investment and tourism.
"Our country will not be remembered and placed on the world's agenda if we don't put it there."
McKenzie said private sponsors, including Brand South Africa, Coca-Cola, HONOR, Betway, Cell C and Old School, supported elements of the programme, including fan mobilisation, journalists, podcasters and influencers.
He said sponsorship contributions were being reconciled, with a final consolidated close-out report to be prepared once all invoices, claims and contributions had been verified.
The minister said all expenditure was subject to the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury regulations and cost-containment measures.
"Every invoice and proof of payment is being verified," he said, adding that the department remained prepared to account to Parliament on the programme.
ALSO READ
