Gayton McKenzie’s R19 million 2026 FIFA World Cup trip

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, is under fire over the cost of his trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Democratic Alliance (DA) member of parliament (MP) Leah Potgieter previously said that the trip could cost as much as R19 million.

McKenzie has faced scrutiny from opposition parties and taxpayers regarding the size and cost of the delegation he is taking to the tournament.

He defended the decision to take 20 fans and 20 artists to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying that sport and music go hand in hand.

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

MP Songezo Zibi asked McKenzie for further details about the trip, including the total cost and the per-person price.

He also asked for the names of the private companies reportedly sponsoring part of the total cost.

The Sports Minister responded, saying his department is not funding a single consolidated trip for 20 fans and 20 artists.

“The fan support initiative and the cultural participation programme are distinct activities, each with its own funding model,” he said.

He explained that the fan support package for the 20 selected fans is funded by private-sector sponsorship.

However, the participation of 20 artists is funded by the Department’s FIFA World Cup cultural programme budget.

“This is done to fulfil the Department’s mandate to promote South African arts, culture and creative industries on international platforms,” he said.

No specific per-person cost is available at this stage, as the cultural programme involves a range of logistical arrangements that are still being finalised.

How much the 2026 FIFA World Cup trip cost, and who is funding it

McKenzie said that the estimated value of the sponsored fan package was initially budgeted at approximately R44,400 per person.

This price includes travel, accommodation, meals, match tickets for FIFA World Cup games, and ground transport.

“However, this amount has increased due to heavy demand for flights and accommodation during the World Cup,” he said.

The Department of  Sports, Arts and Culture has received sponsorship support from the following private companies:

• Betway – R2.5 million
• Cell C – R1 million
• HONOR Technologies Africa – R888,000
• Old School – R1.5 million, with a R500,000 cash component

“The Department engaged various private sector partners as part of its broader strategy to minimise the direct cost to the state,” he said.

“This is aimed at leveraging strategic partnerships in support of fan engagement, nation branding and cultural promotion activities linked to South Africa’s participation.”

“All sponsorship discussions were conducted in accordance with applicable governance processes and without creating financial obligations for the Department.”