Cape Town — New Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has made a big decision to stop funding “superfans” to go to international sporting events to support South Africa.
McKenzie has embraced his new role and has vowed to implement big changes to the department.
He took to X and announced that the department would no longer fund “superfans”.
“I have stopped all trips for superfans. We have athletes and artists who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions. How do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it’s needed the most,” he said.
“If you did nothing wrong or didn’t benefit untowardly you have no reason to fear. I have given a clear instruction that the public be made aware of the people that got funding, today! I was shocked when I realised how many complaining artists are receiving money from DSAC (Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture),” McKenzie said in another post.
I have stopped all trips for super fans, we have athletes & artist who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions, how do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it’s needed the most.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
If you did nothing wrong or didn’t benefit untowardly you have no reason to fear, I have given a clear instruction that the public be made aware of the people that got funding, today! I was shocked when I realised how many complaining artist are receiving money from DSAC.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
Many South Africans remember “Mama Joy” who attended the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024 and was painted as South Africa’s biggest sports fan. Reportedly, Mama Joy and Botha Msila’s trip to the Rugby World Cup in France last year cost the department R1.3 million, TimesLIVE reported.
The department said previously that superfans were not paid salaries to attend games but their accommodation and travel expenses were paid. Litha Mpondwana, the department spokesperson, said the World Cup was the first time the department paid for a supporters’ trip.
These fans are always seen in cultural clothing and baring affectionate smiles at many international sporting events including rugby, football, and cricket,
According to The Citizen, the department said it had supported many South Africans to participate in arts, music, and cultural events hosted on various international platforms and that it did not start with Mama Joy and Botha.
McKenzie has not shied away from his love for sports and so far, has already pledged his opening Parliamentary salary to the Joshlin Smith Foundation and an art gallery in Krugersdorp.
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Picture: X/@Michael1Collins
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
