DSAC RESPONDS ON FIFA WORLD CUP EXPENDITURE
We Welcome the Initial Breakdown and Look Forward to the Full Report
By Thami akaMbongo Manzana
Following our article published on 15 July 2026, in which we raised a number of clarity-seeking questions regarding the reported R30.9 million expenditure on South Africa's programme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has now released an initial breakdown of the expenditure.
As we stated previously, our intention was never to engage in political point-scoring or to attack the Minister or the Department. Rather, our concern has always been rooted in the principles of transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of public resources.
We therefore welcome the Department's decision to provide additional information to the public.
A Positive Step Towards Transparency
According to DSAC, the reported expenditure of R30 945 370.15 covered several components of South Africa's World Cup programme, including:
Official travel;
The Legends Exhibition Match;
Hospitality suites;
Spectator tickets;
Tournament-related programme activations.
The Department has further indicated that the official travel costs for Minister Gayton McKenzie, two support staff, the Director-General and a 14-member project team amounted to R7 865 134.97, covering international flights, accommodation, local transport, subsistence and operational support costs.
This additional information is a welcome first step in providing greater public understanding of how the overall expenditure was structured.
The Full Reconciliation Remains Important
Equally significant is the Department's confirmation that the Minister's individual expenditure has not yet been finalised because a number of expenses including security, protocol and logistical arrangements were procured as part of a single package.
DSAC has committed to producing a detailed reconciliation that will reportedly include:
The name and designation of every traveller;
Their role in the programme;
Countries and cities visited;
Duration of travel;
Flight and accommodation costs;
Transport;
Subsistence and Travel (S&T);
Visa and insurance costs;
Accreditation expenses;
Match tickets;
Hospitality costs; and
The funding source for each participant, distinguishing between State-funded delegates, sponsor-funded participants and implementation partners.
This level of detail will go a long way in addressing many of the questions that have been raised by Parliament, political parties, the media and members of the public.
Sponsorship Clarity Will Be Especially Valuable
One of the questions raised in our previous article related to earlier public statements that sponsors and partners would assist in funding elements of South Africa's World Cup participation.
The Department has now confirmed that not everyone who participated in the programme travelled at the State's expense and that certain costs were covered through sponsorships and implementation partners.
The forthcoming reconciliation therefore presents an important opportunity to clearly distinguish:
What was funded by the State;
What was funded by sponsors;
What was funded by implementation partners; and
The total value of these external contributions.
Such information will help provide a complete and balanced picture of the programme's financing.
Context Matters
DSAC has also clarified that the World Cup initiative extended beyond government officials and included football legends, artists, cultural practitioners, media partners, sponsored supporters and implementation teams involved in fan engagement, cultural promotion and activities linked to the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
This broader context is important in understanding why the programme involved more than official government travel.
Nevertheless, understanding the composition of the delegation and the corresponding funding arrangements remains essential for public accountability.
We Look Forward to the Final Report
The Department has indicated that it is taking care not to speculate or estimate figures while invoices continue to be reconciled.
That approach should be encouraged. Accuracy is preferable to rushed reporting, particularly where public finances are concerned.
Once the detailed reconciliation is released, it should provide sufficient information for Parliament, the media, stakeholders and ordinary South Africans to assess the expenditure on its full merits.
Transparency Strengthens Public Trust
Our position remains unchanged.
When public institutions voluntarily provide detailed information, they strengthen confidence in government and reinforce the constitutional principles of openness and accountability.
We therefore acknowledge DSAC's willingness to begin unpacking the expenditure and look forward to the publication of the comprehensive person-by-person reconciliation that has been promised.
The final report should enable South Africans to engage with the facts rather than speculation, ensuring that public debate is informed by evidence and not assumptions.
As always, transparency serves both the public and those entrusted with managing public resources.
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