Gayton McKenzie spent R31 million on a World Cup trip while South African swimmers must pay R55,000 to compete in the World Championships

Swimming South Africa has informed team members that they will have to pay R55,000 for their flights and accommodation for the World Aquatics Swimming Championships.

On 28 October 2026, the Swimming South Africa Management Committee sent a team announcement to their Presidents and Secretaries.

The letter included the swimming team selected to participate in the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in China from 1 to 6 December 2026.

The team included many well-known swimmers, including Olympic champions Tatjana Smith and Chad le Clos.

Swimming South Africa said that all team members must apply for their own visa and are responsible for the cost thereof.

It added that team members have the option to purchase their own flight tickets and must also cover their travel insurance.

“The estimated Athlete contribution for team members purchasing their own flight tickets will be R37,000, which includes accommodation and management costs.”

“Full accommodation costs must be paid by 10 November 2026. Failure to pay the full amount will result in the athlete being withdrawn,” it said.

The estimated contribution for team members who require Swimming South Africa to purchase their international flight ticket will be R55,000.

This R55,000, the organisation explained, includes accommodation, international flights, and management costs.

“For these athletes, a deposit of R40 000 must be received by 10 November 2026. The balance of R15,000 must be paid by 25 November 2026,” it said.

Swimming South Africa warned that failure to pay the full amount will result in the athlete being withdrawn.

“All team members will be responsible for their own domestic flights to Johannesburg,” it added.

Newsday asked Swimming South Africa for further feedback about the situation, but it did not respond.

Gayton McKenzie spent R31 million on a World Cup trip

The news that South African swimmers must cover their own costs to compete at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships did not sit well with everyone.

The unhappiness partly stems from the fact that the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, spent R31 million on a trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The R31 million included international travel, accommodation, hospitality suites, match tickets, an exhibition match and other nation-branding initiatives.

McKenzie took 20 fans and 20 artists to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying that sport and music go hand in hand.

He said that South African artists deserve a place on international stages rather than letting artists from other countries dominate the tournament’s cultural spaces.

Member of Parliament Dereleen James said that spending millions on a single trip while athletes struggle is not acceptable.

“Communities across the country lack basic sporting facilities, and young South Africans are denied opportunities because of crumbling infrastructure,” she said.

She added that South Africa’s national teams remain underfunded, which affects our international performance.

The lack of funding further means that South Africa cannot always participate on the international stage in numerous sporting codes.

Ernst van Zyl, head of public relations at AfriForum, also said that the money could have been better spent.

“The money could have been used for sport bursaries, upgrading sport facilities at underprivileged schools, or supporting national teams,” he said.

“It appears that the R31 million was spent on expensive hotels and dining out at fancy restaurants.”