Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie is set to give an update this coming Wednesday, 14 October 2026, on the progress made regarding the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee [VAR] system in South African football.
The update follows growing frustration over delays in bringing the officiating technology to local professional football.
Earlier this month, Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe confirmed a scheduled accounting meeting between the ministry and the South African Football Association [SAFA].
The ministry previously issued a 21-day ultimatum to SAFA after sending a formal letter in August seeking a detailed progress report on the VAR rollout in partnership with the Premier Soccer League [PSL].
WHAT PEACE MABE SAID ABOUT ELAPSED 21-DAY ULTIMATUM
While that deadline has elapsed, Deputy Minister Mabe clarified that administrative hurdles and recent SAFA elective conference had contributed to the delay.
Speaking to journalists in KwaZulu-Natal, Mabe highlighted the factors behind the extended timeline.
“Yes, the minister did put a 21-day ultimatum, but because of the elections and other things, I think that’s why SAFA could not focus,” Mabe explained. “But I know that we have a scheduled meeting with SAFA for them to come and present to us what the blockage is.”
To speed up the project, the South African government allocated R82 million in September last year to support the introduction of VAR.
“The money is there; the minister did even show the proof of payment that the money has been transferred to SAFA. So, we are waiting for SAFA to just settle,” Mabe added. “They will have to come to us and, of course, report to the nation as to how far they are with the implementation of VAR.”
GAYTON MCKENZIE ON VAR FEEDBACK
Minister McKenzie confirmed that the public will get official feedback this week following inquiries with SAFA.
Responding directly to a fan on social media platform X after the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium over the weekend, McKenzie assured supporters that an announcement is imminent.
“We are making an announcement on Wednesday,” wrote McKenzie.
All eyes will now be on the ministry on Wednesday to see whether SAFA have established a clear, finalised timeline for the introduction of VAR technology in domestic football.
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