Minister Gayton McKenzie has approved R3 million to fully fund South Africa’s national hockey teams for the 2026 World Cup.
By Zuko Komisa

South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has approved a R3 million financial intervention to ensure members of the national men’s and women’s hockey teams are not forced to pay their own way to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
The decision follows public outcry after players revealed that a severe shortfall at the South African Hockey Association (SA Hockey) left them facing personal costs of tens of thousands of rand for flights, accommodation, visas, and tournament fees. The upcoming World Cup takes place in Belgium and the Netherlands from 14 to 30 August.
Highlighting the unfair expectations placed on elite athletes, Minister McKenzie noted that representing the nation should not come at a personal cost:
“Our hockey players have already done South Africa proud, arriving in Europe as reigning African champions in both the men’s and women’s competitions. It cannot be right that athletes who have earned that place on the world stage through years of sacrifice are then asked to fund their own participation. Representing your country is a national honour and a national responsibility. It should never be a personal financial burden.”
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will release the emergency funds subject to a formal funding agreement and strict compliance checks. To prevent similar crises before major international events, SA Hockey must account fully for the expenditure, explain the deficit, and submit a comprehensive financial turnaround plan to rebuild its governance and long-term sustainability.
READ NEXT: Does winning the FIFA World Cup guarantee the Ballon d’Or?



