By Thapelo Molefe
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has announced a R6.31 billion budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, McKenzie said the budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year would support the department’s mission to create opportunities, nurture young talent, and preserve South Africa’s heritage.
“We are here to talk about making budget available for people to get something even more important and that is any chance at all,” he said.
The largest portion of the budget will go toward key programmes that drive the department’s work.
This includes R2.7 billion for heritage and library services, R1.7 billion for arts and culture development, and R1.2 billion for the promotion of recreation and sport.
“These investments are aimed at ensuring that all South Africans, regardless of their background, have access to sports, culture and information,” McKenzie said.
“Too many talented South Africans succeed without proper support. That must change. Our amazing success on the field is too often balanced by the dysfunction we continue to face off the field.”
He added that only about 5% of the country’s full potential was being realised, especially because many people cannot afford basic resources like sports equipment or music training.
To improve sport at all levels, the department will spend R98.5 million to support national federations.
“One of the biggest changes coming… will be the provision of an office building for them to share,” McKenzie said.
Many of these organisations currently operate out of cars or small rented spaces. The shared facility will allow them to work more professionally and efficiently.
A major project in the works is the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems in local football.
“We are also finalising the process of funding VAR to ensure that football matches… are fairer and meet global standards,” the minister explained.
He said poor refereeing leads to angry fans and vandalised stadiums and that adding VAR would make local leagues more credible.
The department has also shown interest in major global events. South Africa has registered to possibly host the 2036 Summer Olympics and is pushing to bring back Formula One racing.
McKenzie said private companies like MTN, Heineken, and MultiChoice have shown interest in supporting the F1 plans.
“What will be different this time… is that the government will not be expected to pay,” he stressed.
Deputy Minister Peace Mabe said the budget was designed to create jobs and support the economy.
She confirmed that R4.1 billion would be spent over the next three years on recreation and sport promotion. She also announced R24 million for building 30 outdoor gyms and children’s play parks in municipal areas across the country.
Other major initiatives include support for creatives and cultural workers. More than R627 million will go towards training, equipment and attire for schools and clubs. The department also plans to fund coaching, officiating and sport administration programmes.
McKenzie said the department was “trying to start doing things differently” and would continue to make changes to ensure resources reach communities.
Despite these efforts, opposition parties expressed concern about parts of the budget.
The leader of the African Christian Democratic Party, Kenneth Meshoe, criticised the small decrease in the sports development budget.
“Programme 2 received a nominal decrease… an effective cut when adjusted for inflation,” he said.
He warned that this weakens grassroots sports and hurts young people who rely on sport for hope. Others raised issues about governance and accountability.
The Economic Freedom Fighters accused the department of favouring private interests and being “disconnected from the daily lived realities of the dejected masses,” while the Democratic Alliance criticised McKenzie for missing more than 15 parliamentary meetings, calling it a disturbing pattern of disregard for parliamentary accountability.
However, parties like the Patriotic Alliance (PA) defended the budget, urging South Africans to give the new Government of National Unity a fair chance.
“We support Budget Vote 37, recognising the department’s efforts in driving social transformation and economic inclusion,” said Marlon Daniels.
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