Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended the nearly R1 million his department spent during his attendance at the 2024 Paris Olympics in July. In Parliament, he disclosed that the department spent R215,976 on flights, R113,271 on accommodation, and R454,005 on transport.
Responding in writing to Portfolio Committee Chairperson Joe MacGluwa, McKenzie confirmed that the department’s total expenditure for his trip amounted to R804,590.71. He explained on X (formerly Twitter) that he had six meetings in Paris before the Olympics began, visited the athletes’ village to meet with the South African team, and attended the opening ceremony. He also watched a few sports like hockey, gymnastics, and rugby sevens. McKenzie said he left France on the first day of the Olympics, returning early to familiarize himself with his new portfolio.
McKenzie’s report revealed that the department allocated R27,892,000 for 146 athletes and support staff, while spending approximately R1.8 million on officials. Since becoming Minister, McKenzie has audited departmental funds and stopped funding for superfans, including halting a controversial R1.3 million payment to fans Mama Joy Chauke and Botha Msila for their trip to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He stressed that the funds would be redirected to more critical needs. ActionSA’s Michael Beaumont, however, accused McKenzie of swapping superfans for his own gains.
