Controversy arose when ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont accused McKenzie of using superfans for personal gain. Last year, taxpayers’ money amounting to R1.3m was spent to send superfans Mama Joy Chauke and Botha Msila to the Rugby World Cup in France.
In response, McKenzie defended his trip, stating that he attended meetings in Paris, greeted athletes at the athletic village, and participated in various Olympic events. He emphasized that his trip was not a joyride and included official government meetings with ministers from other countries.
The ministry’s expenditure of R27,892,000 for 146 athletes prompted further scrutiny. McKenzie provided pictures of his trip to France as evidence of his activities during the visit.