The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed that the total budget to send Team SA to the 2024 Paris Olympics amounted to almost R28 million.
An astonishing percentage of the dedicated amount, however, was reserved for the travelling expenses of Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie alongside eight other officials, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Gayton McKenzie addresses UFC event and South Africa’s F1 bid
Preparations, support and travel for the 146 athletes representing South Africa fell within the total budget, confirmed McKenzie in parliament.
In addition, a total approximate budget of R1.8 million was approved by the minister for the travelling expenses of eight officials to the 2024 Olympics.
R804 597 of the above amount was solely dedicated to the travelling expenses and overall trip of McKenzie.
Flights, insurance, accommodation and ground transport were included in this amount, but these listed expenses amounted to half of the total amount spent, reports Herald Live.
News24 highlighted that McKenzie, shortly after his appointment to Cabinet, vowed to pledge money for trips to struggling athletes and artists as opposed to super fans.
In a parliamentary meeting, it was revealed that the department only spent a total of R1.3 million on the superfan’s trips, whereas it spent R500 000 more than that on the trip of McKenzie and his fellow officials.
It was further reported that McKenzie’s flights cost more than the average spend per athlete. His flights alone cost around R216 000.
The listed expenses also included a travel allowance of R20 745, while the budget per athlete was roughly estimated to be R191 000, an amount that included their support staff.
Also read:
Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images
