ActionSA and the DA are demanding clarity and accountability from Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie regarding the hefty R31 million spent on FIFA World Cup initiatives.
A reconciled breakdown of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture FIFA World support programme shows that more than R10 million was spent on international fan activations, R7.8 million on official travel and R6.3 million on hospitality suites and match tickets.
Overall, the programme cost R30.9 million and, according the department, was aimed at promoting South Africa's tourism, culture, creative industries and investment opportunities.
However, the department has acknowledged that it is not yet able to point to a specific investment agreement or trade transaction concluded solely because of the programme. It said business and investment leads generated through the international activations were still being consolidated with programme partners and would be included in a final close-out report once verified.
“The Department is not yet claiming that a specific investment contract or trade transaction was concluded solely because of the World Cup programme,” it said.
