Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended the department’s funding model for local and international sporting events following public criticism.
The response comes amid growing calls for the department’s spending to be investigated over allegations of the improper use of public funds.
McKenzie dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, providing further clarity on the department’s funding framework in a statement released on Monday.
“It is important to remember that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture provides financial support to more than 60 national federations. The allocation available to meet those demands, however, is fixed, voted for by Parliament and administered in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act.
“The support provided is intended primarily to assist federations with some of their basic administrative costs, rather than covering the full cost of every aspect of their operations. This includes the significant costs associated with international travel or organising and hosting sporting events in South Africa,” McKenzie said.
The minister also outlined the department’s funding criteria and the compliance mechanisms used to monitor federations receiving public funds.
“Where a federation’s audited records, compliance history and performance against its funding agreement demonstrate sustained failure, the department will act, and the question of recognition is not beyond consideration. That assessment is documented, applied through the proper statutory process and undertaken in consultation with SASCOC,” he said.
McKenzie added that it is unrealistic for the department to fund every athlete and sporting tournament, stressing that funding decisions are guided by specific criteria and budget constraints.
He concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound governance, with the aim of ensuring South African athletes continue to excel on the international stage.
