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Minister Gayton McKenzie: Netball SA Cover-up and Parliamentary Evasion

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will formally request that Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie be summoned to appear before the Portfolio Committee to account for his decision to shield Netball South Africa (NSA) from serious governance allegations and for his continued evasion of parliamentary oversight.

This follows Minister McKenzie’s recent public pronouncement that NSA had been “cleared” of wrongdoing, despite no evidence of a transparent process, no engagement with Parliament, and no formal report shared with the Committee. His conduct represents a grave abuse of executive discretion and undermines both accountability and good governance.

NSA is facing serious disciplinary action from World Netball, and its President, Cecilia Molokwane, stands accused of flouting procurement protocols and mismanaging funds. During their recent appearance before the Portfolio Committee, Netball South Africa (NSA) faced sharp criticism from MPs for failing to provide audited financial statements for the 2023 Netball World Cup.

MPs raised concerns about questionable expenditures, including R119 000 paid to an unidentified influencer, over R2 million spent on consulting fees, and R41 000 listed under “condolences.” These matters remain unresolved yet the Minister has unilaterally declared NSA off the hook.

By bypassing Parliament and failing to explain the basis of his decision, Minister McKenzie is effectively running the Department like a circus, instead of enforcing the law and upholding transparency.

The DA demands that Minister McKenzie immediately appear before the Portfolio Committee to answer for:

  • The basis on which he cleared NSA of any wrongdoing;
  • Whether any independent audit or investigation was conducted;
  • What governance criteria were applied to assess NSA; and
  • Why he continues to dodge Committee meetings while the integrity of national sports bodies crumbles.

South Africans deserve a Minister who respects Parliament, enforces accountability, and protects the integrity of sport, not one who plays referee and player in the same game.

Regards

Liam Jacobs MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture

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