First, there was the R22 million national flag monument plan. Then, R55 million was allocated to the formation of a National Philharmonic Orchestra. A revelation detailing the government’s proposal to sponsor the English soccer club Tottenham Hotspur for R1 billion has stunned South Africans.
This week, the alarming charges were made public, with Tourism Minister Lindiswe Sisulu supposedly at the center of the affair.
The Department of Tourism has submitted a bid to sponsor Tottenham Hotspur, a prominent English Premier League club, according to Daily Maverick.
The ministry, including minister Lindiwe Sisulu and its marketing division SA Tourism, reportedly presented a proposal to the board this week.
Over the course of three years, the Daily Maverick says that close to R1 billion will be allocated to support the elite club. The local tourism industry would receive “media exposure” in exchange.
According to the Daily Maverick, Sisulu was reportedly eager to “finalize” the deal before a possible cabinet change, which might result in her resignation. The president himself, Cyril Ramaphosa, was anticipated to unveil the intentions in his State of the Nation address next week, according to the website.
It stated: “The £42.5 million contract [approximately R1 billion] would run from February 2023 to June 2026, with an additional year’s extension option.”
Social media users are outraged by the possibility that Tottenham Hotspur could receive funding intended for Mzansi.
Andile Ncube, a presenter for SABC Sports, is dominating the conversation. He tweeted: “Here we go! Another banner! If true, why, how, and for what purpose? No man! The f**k!”
He continued, “There are 16 PSL teams, and the majority of them struggle to find sponsors. Every day, we accuse teams like Moroka Swallows of having financial difficulties. Yet this major brand that has been woven into the fabric of South Africa for so long receives no assistance, yet Tottenham Spur do?”
Andile tweeted, tagging Tottenham Spur, “They should know that if they accept money from the South African government, it is ‘blood money.’”
Many supporters concurred, stating that the Tottenham Hotspur transaction did not assist local soccer players.
@thembaCRAIG: “This is clearly incorrect. There are so many PSL teams who could utilize the funding to upgrade their squads and be able to complete and attract talented players, hence enhancing the competition.”
@RTumane: This will not occur: “This money would have been used to create jobs for young South Africans.”
“Why would they sponsor a European team when they can’t do the same in the PSL?” tweeted @Rhoyi Masoka. Some teams have been without sponsors for years. That would be a grave error.”
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