The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the Public Protector’s decision to formally investigate allegations of irresponsible spending and false claims by Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie regarding his attendance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
This swift response is a critical step in addressing what the EFF has described as a “broader culture of wastefulness and dishonesty” within the current government.
EFF national spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys expressed the party’s outrage over McKenzie’s actions, stating: “The dishonesty displayed by Minister McKenzie, who initially denied attending the Olympics only to later contradict himself, is symptomatic of the broader culture of deceit that has plagued the current administration. This government of national unity has aligned itself with corruption, criminals, white monopoly capital, and a lack of accountability.”
According to official records, over R800,000 of public funds were spent on McKenzie’s seven-day trip to France with expenses broken down as follows: flights: R215,976,36, ground transport: R454,005,00, insurance: R592.63, accommodation: R113,271,00 and subsistence and travel allowance: R20,745,72.
The EFF has questioned the necessity and justification for such extravagant expenditure, particularly given the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.:
“This kind of wasteful spending and dishonesty demonstrates a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to managing public resources.”
The Public Protector’s investigation will determine whether McKenzie’s actions constitute a violation of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and the Executive Ethics Code, which outline the standards of conduct expected of public officials.
This includes assessing potential breaches such as the misuse of public funds and failure to act in the public interest.
“Specifically, we are concerned with whether McKenzie’s conduct has breached several key provisions. This includes misuse of public funds and failure to act in the public interest,” said Mathys.
The inquiry will also evaluate whether McKenzie’s conduct was inconsistent with the duties of his office as defined in Section 182(1) of the South African Constitution and Sections 6 and 7 of the Public Protector Act.
The EFF has pledged its full support for the investigation and has called for transparency and impartiality in uncovering the extent of the alleged misuse of public funds. The party has also committed to monitoring the progress of the inquiry closely and providing assistance to the Public Protector where necessary.
“As the EFF, we will continue to fight for accountability and transparency within the public sector, ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purposes and not for the personal benefit of those in power.''
Although the investigation will not meet the usual 30-day timeframe prescribed by the Executive Members’ Ethics Act, the Public Protector’s office has assured the public that every effort will be made to expedite the process.
The probe will involve a thorough review of evidence, including McKenzie’s own responses, and will remain open to additional information as it emerges.
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