Gayton McKenzie: ‘If you are a super fan, you must make a super plan to get yourself there’
Minister Gayton McKenzie made it known that superfans won’t have any privileges; hence, they should make super plans for their trips.
Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has reiterated that the ministry’s first priority is athletes rather than superfans. He made it known that super fans wouldn’t get special treatment under his administration.
The minister made the remarks on the sidelines of the Opening of The Parliament in Cape Town.
GAYTON MCKENZIE OPENS UP ABOUT SUPERFANS’ SPONSORED TRIPS
Speaking to the media, Gayton McKenzie said the government would not fund superfans trips. He has it that superfans should make super plans for their trips. He said the government cannot fund superfans while struggling athletes depend on donations.
Gayton McKenzie revealed that in the past, superfans have been entitled to several privileges at the expense of athletes. He said superfans were being flown in business class and sleeping in hotels.
Gayton McKenzie said, “You can’t have superfans flying business class and living in hotels while the teams are left behind struggling to get there. Who are they going to watch if the teams cannot even get there? The hockey team was struggling to get money, and now you have the superfans already there.”
“If you are a super fan, you must make super plan to get there…”
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie reacts to #OPA2024, speaks about superfans perks, and the department’s transparency with @TheRealClementM #OPA2024 #SuperFans #702WalkTheTalk pic.twitter.com/8m28ZlQptw
— 702 (@Radio702) July 18, 2024
While speaking to Radio 702, journalist McKenzie reiterated that superfans must make super plans to fund their international trips. Gayton McKenzie said, “Not under my watch, no. If you are a super fan, you must make a super plan to get yourself there.”
The minister also said that those who ask for relief funds from the department will always be revealed to the public because it is public money. He said the ministry is not a mafia organisation; hence, transparency will always be important.
Gayton McKenzie made headlines a few weeks ago when he revealed a list of beneficiaries who received relief funds from the government during the COVID-19 restrictions.
DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, ARTS, AND CULTURE RELIEF FUND BENEFICIARIES
Over 3 000 beneficiaries received R72 million from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture. A panel from the department vetted beneficiaries who applied for funding and their applications.
However, upon approval, funds were paid as a one-off payment to approved beneficiaries to assist the artists, creatives, and sports people during the lockdown.
Some beneficiaries received R10 000 and R75 000, while others received as little as R2 000. Gayton McKenzie’s ministry also revealed eight beneficiaries who received R75 000.
Among the eight recipients, MacG, an influencer, and businessman Mohale Motaung were notable names. Despite being an artist or athlete influencer, Mohale Motaung received R75 000 from the department.