By Thapelo Molefe
South Africa has quelled speculation that it is preparing to host the 2026 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting that no decision has been taken to relocate the tournament and that Morocco remains the official host.
In a media statement issued on Sunday, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie clarified comments made by his Deputy Minister at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards, which had sparked debate about South Africa’s possible involvement as a host of the continental showpiece.
ALSO READ: Malema alleges IEC ‘thugs’ steal election votes, calls for members to be vigilant
McKenzie said South Africa had merely indicated its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football if alternative hosting arrangements became necessary, but stressed that this did not amount to a confirmation or assumption of hosting duties.
“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,” McKenzie said.
“CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.”
The minister said that the engagements with CAF formed part of routine contingency discussions as the governing body considers various scenarios in line with its responsibility to safeguard the interests of African football.
He said that any move for South Africa to host WAFCON would be subject to strict governance and government procedures, and could only happen if CAF formally requested alternative hosting arrangements.
According to the statement, several conditions would need to be met before South Africa could be considered, including cabinet approval, confirmation of host cities, stadium availability, accommodation and transport capacity, as well as the conclusion of government guarantees and operational agreements.
ALSO READ: This is what O’ Sullivan will tell the ad hoc committee when he testifies about SAPS ‘capture’
“Any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance processes, in partnership with the South African Football Association and other stakeholders,” McKenzie said.
He added that the deputy minister’s remarks should be understood in context, noting that they reflected government’s longstanding commitment to supporting African football and South Africa’s confidence in its ability to stage major international sporting events.
“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities,” McKenzie said.
South Africa has a strong track record of hosting high-profile sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and major rugby and cricket tournaments.
This history has often placed the country at the centre of speculation whenever continental or global events face uncertainty.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Mchunu not off the hook as Ramaphosa faces cadre protection accusations
McKenzie said the department, together with SAFA and other stakeholders, would continue engaging with CAF in a “structured and responsible manner”, but cautioned that any public announcements would only be made once all processes had been finalised.
“Any further announcements will be made only once all required processes have been concluded and formal decisions taken,” he said.
The ministry reiterated that its broader focus remained on a long-term strategy to attract major sporting events as a means of boosting sport development, tourism, economic growth and South Africa’s international profile.
“The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture will continue to pursue a long-term strategy of hosting major sporting events to boost sport, tourism, economic growth and the image of the country on the world stage,” McKenzie said.
INSIDE POLITICS