The Office of the Public Protector has confirmed an investigation into a complaint by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) against Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie. The complaint concerns McKenzie’s expenditure during a trip to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, revealed in a parliamentary reply.
The department reportedly spent R804,597.71 on McKenzie’s trip. Key expenses included R450,000 for ground transportation, R113,000 for a seven-night hotel stay, and R215,000 for business-class flights on Air France between Johannesburg and Paris.
Addressing the criticism, McKenzie stated, “I left the day the Olympics started and went for government meetings with other Ministers of other countries. I didn’t attend the Olympics, only the opening, and I came back to work. I could have stayed but wanted to get to know my new portfolio.”
The EFF raised concerns about potential violations of the Executive Ethics Code and misuse of public funds, prompting the formal investigation. On Wednesday, the Public Protector’s Office confirmed the probe, stating it would assess whether McKenzie’s actions were inconsistent with his ministerial duties and in breach of ethical guidelines, including the Ministerial Handbook.
The investigation team is currently gathering evidence and analyzing McKenzie’s response to the allegations. Additionally, the Public Protector has notified President Cyril Ramaphosa of the inquiry.
In a statement, the office assured the EFF that efforts would be made to expedite the investigation. “We commit to making every effort to expedite the investigation and will keep you apprised of progress.”