ActionSA has criticised the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture after revealing that nearly R31 million was spent on South Africa’s delegation and related programmes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to a parliamentary reply from Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, the expenditure covered international travel, accommodation, hospitality suites, match tickets, an exhibition match and nation-branding initiatives.
The party argued that the spending raises serious concerns at a time when many communities lack basic sporting facilities and national sports teams remain underfunded. ActionSA said the money could have been better spent on improving sports infrastructure and creating opportunities for young athletes.
ActionSA also criticised McKenzie for admitting that he could not disclose how much of the total expenditure was spent on his personal travel and related costs, saying the figures had not yet been separated from the delegation’s overall expenses.
The party said the lack of a detailed breakdown undermines accountability and transparency, adding that its proposed Enhanced Cabinet Perks Cut Bill seeks to ensure ministers fully account for taxpayer-funded travel, accommodation and hospitality expenses
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