MINISTER of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has defended his trip to the Paris Olympics, after vowing to watch the games on his television.
The outspoken minister – who has also cut the superfan budget– has also pledged to donate 100 percent of his salary to charity.
The Olympics takes place in Paris from 26 July to 11 August.
This week, McKenzie posted picture of his trip to France ahead of the Olympics.
He was supportingSouth Africa’s Sevens Rugby squad, or the Blitzboks, who advanced to the semi-finals.
McKenzie tweeted: “I broke all protocols of sitting in silence and clapping softly when your country is winning. I jumped up and screamed ‘Go Bokke.’ Our Boys said they heard me screaming.”
When one follower questioned the minister if he had travelled to Paris with funds previously allocated to superfans, he responded: “Always been a super fan. I came for 13 ministerial meetings and will be returning on Sunday. Will watch the Olympics on television.”
McKenzie has previously revealed that he spends more than 16 hours a day dedicated to accomplishing his goals for the Department of Sports, Art, and Culture.
He tweeted: “I arrive every day at my office at 7am and leave around 11pm.”
He also told the SABC that the public should hold him accountable for change after 100 days in office.
Meanwhile, McKenzie revealed that he has permitted sprinter Luxolo Adams to attend the Olympics despite not making the cut.
According to the minister, a budget meant for superfans was used to pay for Adams’ travel fair and accommodation.
Sadly, Adams missed out on selection for the Olympics, which he qualified for, after he suffered an injury.
He told SABC Sport: “I don’t have jurisdiction over who should be in [Team South Africa], but I’m not going to break the spirit of a young man who’s a motivation and inspiration to many young people in his village.
“So he will be here, and those are the types of people we should be bringing here – people that qualified for the Olympics, but for some reason – which is still to be fully explained to me – is not part of the team, but he has qualified so that he will be here on my instruction.” – The South African
