The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has issued a formal statement to clarify South Africa’s stance on hosting the 2026 WAFCON, following recent comments made by the deputy minister, Bertha Peace Mabe, at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards.
The Hollywoodbets Super League Awards were held on Sunday, 1 February, at the Vodacom Dome in Gauteng.
This development follows reports that Morocco is set to withdraw as the host of the 2026 WAFCON tournament, which is scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3.
The sport minister noted that while South Africa has expressed a “willingness to support” CAF should alternative arrangements become necessary, these discussions are currently part of routine contingency planning by the confederation.
However, the ministry was quick to point out that the Deputy Minister’s recent remarks reflect South Africa’s general confidence in its world-class infrastructure rather than a finalised agreement.
For South Africa to step in as a host, several rigorous governance and logistical hurdles must first be cleared.
The ministry outlined a four-point criteria that must be met before any official bid or takeover is finalised. These are namely the CAF verification, cabinet approval, logistical readiness, and legal guarantees.
Despite the current uncertainty regarding 2026, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a long-term strategy of bringing major sporting events to the country.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE GAYTON MCKENZIE
“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 Hollywood bets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON],” said McKenzie.
“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. These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by CAF. 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. Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.
“Any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance processes. This will be in partnership with the South African Football Association [SAFA] and other stakeholders, including:
a) Formal confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are required.
b) Approval through the relevant Cabinet processes.
c) Confirmation of host cities, stadium availability, accommodation and transport capacity.
d) The conclusion of the necessary government guarantees and operational agreements.
“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister reflect the government’s longstanding engagement on supporting African football. Also, 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.
ENGAGEMENT WITH CAF STILL ONGOING
“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.”
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