The Office of the Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, has initiated an investigation into Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie amid serious allegations of misuse of public funds during his recent trip to the Olympics in Paris, France.

This probe comes after a complaint lodged by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), with spokesperson Sinawo Thambo declaring the party’s commitment to holding the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) accountable for its actions.

In a letter dated December 3, the Public Protector confirmed receipt of the complaint, which highlighted potential violations of the code of ethical conduct and the Ministerial Handbook governing members of the executive.

Gcaleka’s office acknowledged Thambo’s allegations, which paint McKenzie’s actions in a dubious light, suggesting not only a misuse of funds but also a deliberate misleading of the public regarding the nature of his visit.

“We confirm receipt of your complaint lodged with our Western Cape office on December 17, 2024 in connection with allegations that Mr McKenzie violated the code of ethical conduct and possibly violated the Ministerial Handbook which guides Members of the Executive,” said Gcaleka.

“In response to the Public Protector request for clarification of the complaint on October 23, you lodged your amended complaint in terms of section 4(1) of the EMEA.”

The scrutiny intensifies as McKenzie disclosed in a parliamentary response that his Olympic trip cost over R800 000. The breakdown is staggering: R215,976 for flights, R113,271 for accommodation, and an alarming R454,005 on ground transport.

Thambo had expressed outrage over these figures, branding them a blatant misuse of public resources.

“McKenzie’s extravagant expenditure on this trip, from flights to hotel accommodation, shows a blatant disregard for taxpayer money,” Thambo stated.

“He has admitted to spending over R800,000 on his Olympics visit. Yet, he initially denied attending the event, only later to confirm it in a response to a parliamentary question. This inconsistency is a serious matter of public trust and calls into question his adherence to ethical standards.”

The expenses were laid bare in a letter from Dr CN Khumalo, the acting director-general of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

It was reported that the exorbitant ground transport costs, which included chauffeur services, raised eyebrows across the political spectrum with the EFF describing these expenses as excessive, particularly when considering McKenzie’s previous claims that his attendance was limited to the opening ceremony.

The Star

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Public Protector investigates Gayton McKenzie’s alleged misuse of Olympic funds