South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, cut short his appearance before Parliament's sport committee on Friday, October 2, 2026, to attend a pre-scheduled political meeting. This was the second consecutive day that McKenzie had not been present to answer MPs' questions about his department's spending. On Thursday, the committee was informed that McKenzie had skipped the Auditor-General's briefing on his department's audit, which revealed instances of fraud involving some of the people it funds.
McKenzie, who leads the Patriotic Alliance, had sent an apology to the meeting, stating that he would leave after 45 minutes to attend the political meeting. Committee chair Joe McGluwa expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the minister and department head must be present when serious matters like fraud are discussed in Parliament. McGluwa stressed that the public expects accountability from the executive authority and accounting officer.
During the meeting, McKenzie responded to McGluwa's remarks, stating that as a party president, his presence at events is different from that of committee members. He explicitly stated that he was attending a political meeting, which led to a reprimand from McGluwa. The committee chair pointed out that the meeting had been scheduled a month in advance and that it was essential for the minister to be present, especially on serious financial matters.
The incident was not isolated, as there was an earlier clash between PA MP Marlon Daniels and DA MP Joe McGluwa. Daniels accused the DA and McGluwa of using the committee as an election campaign tool, which McGluwa denied. McKenzie's director-general, Cynthia Khumalo, attended the meeting in his place after he left, along with the chief financial officer and acting chief financial officer.
Deputy minister Peace Mabe sat in for McKenzie after he left the meeting. ANC MP Gaolatlhe Kgabo proposed that the committee write to the speaker and the Presidency about McKenzie's absence from meetings on the department's performance and finances. Kgabo expressed concerns that McKenzie's absence obstructs the committee's oversight responsibility, particularly on decisions and actions with financial implications for the state.
The department's annual report revealed that it spent 99.6% of its R6.3 billion budget in 2025/26 but met only 80% of its targets, down from 93% the previous year. The committee also raised concerns about the department's spending on travel and subsistence, which increased by R25 million in a year, from R85 million to R110 million. The acting chief financial officer promised to provide a report on the increase.
The committee also questioned the department's failure to meet its targets, including building 100 outdoor gyms and children's play parks, and creating 10,000 jobs through its creative sector stimulus. The department's infrastructure unit was also criticized for lacking a chief director. The committee requested a full cost breakdown of the SA Sport Awards at Sun City, which cost R17,355,255, and details on the department's legal fees.
Key points
- Minister Gayton McKenzie's absence from Parliament's sport committee meeting sparked criticism from MPs.
- The department's annual report revealed a significant shortfall in meeting its targets.
- The committee requested a full cost breakdown of the SA Sport Awards and details on the department's legal fees.
