It looks like the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has contradictes what his deputy Peace Mabe said.
Speaking at the Hollywoodbets awards in Midrand on Sunday evening, Mabe said that the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals will be hosted by South Africa.
“As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to provide clarity following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary,” McKenzie said in a statement.
“These engagements form part of on-going discussions initiated by CAF as it considers various contingencies in line with the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game. At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.”
McKenzie said that the potential hosting of the tournament will be subject to established government and football governance processes in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders.
“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister reflect government’s long-standing engagement on supporting African football and South Africa’s confidence in its proven ability to host major international sporting events. They do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities,” McKenzie added.
“The department with SAFA and stakeholders will continue to engage with CAF in a structured and responsible manner. Any further announcements will be made only once all required processes have been concluded and formal decisions taken. The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture will continue to pursue a long-term strategy of hosting major sporting events to boost sport, tourism, economic growth and the image of the country on the world stage.”
