Defend Truth

Inside South Africa's R1bn proposal to sponsor Tottenham Hotspur

The South African government had all but inked a deal worth R910,997,814.75 for SA Tourism to sponsor one of the English Premier League’s best-known teams, Tottenham Hotspur – until news of the deal reached Daily Maverick.

The South African government had all but inked a deal worth R910,997,814.75 for SA Tourism to sponsor one of the English Premier League’s best-known teams, Tottenham Hotspur – until news of the deal reached Daily Maverick.

sa tourism tottenham hotspur

Documents obtained by Daily Maverick show that the South African government, through its marketing agency SA Tourism, is preparing to ink a deal worth R910,997,814.75 to sponsor one of the English Premier League’s best-known teams, Tottenham Hotspur.

By Rebecca Davis

Following Daily Maverick’s reporting on SA Tourism’s plan to spend nearly R1-billion sponsoring Tottenham Hotspur, the Minister of Tourism has confirmed that a proposal is on the table. A statement angrily denied that Lindiwe Sisulu herself had any personal interest in the deal. Meanwhile, public concern over the expenditure is building.

By Rebecca Davis

SA Tourism’s interim Chief Financial Officer, Johan van der Walt, has admitted to having ties to an agency named in original documents relating to the controversial Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship proposal.

By Rebecca Davis

SA Tourism’s interim CFO Johan van der Walt misrepresented his ties to the agency that was set to be used to activate the R1-billion Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship deal, Daily Maverick can reveal.

By Rebecca Davis

We don’t know, of course, how many people will come to SA after seeing a badge that says ‘Visit South Africa’ on Harry Kane’s shoulder.

By Tim Cohen

While Parliament’s tourism committee made it clear that SA Tourism’s proposed Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship deal was dead in the water, the SA Tourism board released a statement announcing it would be launching a ‘forensic investigation’ — to find the whistle-blowers.

By Rebecca Davis

The multiparty parliamentary portfolio committee on tourism resolved unanimously on Tuesday that the controversial R1-billion Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship deal will not go ahead – and that heads should roll. It was a heated marathon meeting, but despite MPs anger and a barrage of criticism, SA Tourism’s acting chief executive, Themba Khumalo, dug in his heels, presenting a report that pushed the benefits of the deal.

By Victoria O’Regan

South Africans do not trust the government and its agencies to act responsibly with public funds after years of grift. Which is why, even if the Tourism SA and Tottenham Hotspur deal has some value, it shouldn’t go ahead at this time

By Craig Ray

Although well known and loved by his followers, much of South Africa was not familiar with Bishop Khumalo, until he burst on to the scene last week to remind us to stop being such pesky micromanagers when it comes to public funds. We’re lucky to have him.

By Malibongwe Tyilo

Another week, another gobsmacking revelation of a government entity’s proposed waste of our hard-earned taxes. 

By Heather Robertson

In her first media briefing as Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille hammered further nails into the coffin of the controversial sponsorship proposal between SA Tourism and Tottenham Hotspurs.

By Rebecca Davis

In the wake of the Tottenham Hotspur sponsorship scandal, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced on Wednesday that she had dissolved the SA Tourism board. The move is welcome, but further action should follow.

By Rebecca Davis

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