- Author Jackie Phamotse publicly called out Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie over his latest stadium project announcement
- McKenzie revealed his next focus after VAR is bringing Wi-Fi to South African stadiums, citing women's safety as a key reason
- Peeps on X are divided, with some agreeing with Phamotse while others think stadium Wi-Fi is actually a good idea
Source: Facebook
Author and activist Jackie Phamotse has taken aim at Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie after he revealed his next big project: bringing Wi-Fi to South African stadiums. Phamotse did not hold back, calling the plan a waste of resources while struggling creatives and sportswomen go without support.
McKenzie announced the initiative in a video clip shared on X, declaring that after pushing for VAR in local football, Wi-Fi in stadiums is now his priority. The minister said:
"Oh, the next one, the issue in the stadiums, our next project, I'm done with VAR; I'm moving to the next one. It is to bring Wi-Fi to our games. You cannot watch football like that; women are not safe, they can't call their parents, they can't call their partners,"
Phamotse fires back at the minister
Jackie Phamotse was unimpressed. Taking to X, she questioned what McKenzie's office is actually doing for the people who need help most. She wrote:
"No one needs this! When we go to games, WiFi is truly the last thing on our mind. We are there to enjoy the game. @GaytonMcK what's the real plan with your office? We have struggling writers, actors, sportswomen, etc and your thinking is expenditure for WiFi? This is horrible!"
Her frustration centres on what she sees as misplaced priorities. With South Africa's creative and sporting sectors facing financial strain, she argues that connectivity upgrades at stadiums are a low-priority luxury.
X Users weigh in on the debate
Reactions on X ranged from sharp satire to genuine support for the minister's idea.
@zibuseman wrote:
"Lol this mgulugudu has a tender in mind; he thought VAR was going to be a money-making scheme, now his sight is internet cafés in stadiums."
@LCearsar sided with Phamotse:
"Definitely we’re there to watch sports, not to be on our phones."
@BAASH_COMEDIAN offered a more balanced take:
"I believe people do need WIFI in the stadium. I also believe it was a mistake to merge both sport and the Arts."
Gayton McKenzie announced his VAR plan
Minister Gayton McKenzie stepped back from the VAR rollout after receiving a comprehensive report from SAFA on 9 September 2026.
SAFA president Danny Jordaan and CEO Lydia Monyepao attended a press conference with McKenzie to address the delayed implementation update.
Source: Briefly News
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