Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie walked out of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Tuesday just as questions were set to begin regarding the R31 million spent on a delegation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

McKenzie had previously released a statement outlining the expenditure, but the Democratic Alliance had demanded detailed answers to questions about this matter.

On Tuesday, McKenzie attended the committee meeting for earlier agenda items but left the room when proceedings turned to the World Cup expenditure and did not return, according to the DA.

The minister was expected to account for the decision to fund a 151-member delegation to the tournament held in North America earlier this year. He has previously defended the trip as justified, but has yet to provide detailed explanations to Parliament.

Leah Potgieter, the DA spokesperson on sport, arts and culture, said the minister’s departure amounted to avoiding his legal obligation to account to Parliament.

“The DA sees this as blatant absconding of his legal duty to account to Parliament. It is an act of defiance, and shows that he has something to hide,” Potgieter said in a statement.

The R31 million expenditure has drawn criticism from opposition parties who have questioned the size of the delegation and the justification for the spending of public funds.

The DA said it would now invoke Parliamentary processes to compel McKenzie’s attendance and secure answers about the spending.

“He can run, but he cannot hide from this. South Africa demands answers,” Potgieter said.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture has the power to summon ministers and other witnesses to appear before it as part of its oversight function.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June to July this year.

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