Cultural Affairs and Sport
(1) What part did he play in bringing the players of the BT Soccer Academy back to South Africa;
(2) whether his departmental funds were used to assist these players; if so, what are the relevant details?
During an official trip to Spain I was alerted to a developing humanitarian situation involving 28 minors and youth coaches from the Western Cape, who had been stranded in Lisbon, Portugal, following a privately arranged football tour in Spain.
On Monday, 21 July 2025, I held a series of urgent telephonic discussions regarding the crisis, including:
- Multiple calls with Mr. Brandon Timmy, Chairperson of BT Football Academy (the tour organizer);
- NazTravel (the travel agency involved); and
- Ongoing engagements with Mr. Avukile, representing the Tracey Lange Cares Initiative.
These discussions confirmed that no return flight arrangements had been made for the group, a fact verified both verbally and in writing (via WhatsApp) by Mr. Timmy.
This informed my subsequent actions.
Before departing for Lisbon, I sought guidance from both the Head of Department and the Chief Director: Sport and Recreation and facilitated direct contact between them and Mr. Avukile, who was leading fundraising and logistical efforts from South Africa. Their collaboration was critical in assessing the support required for the group’s safe return.
To streamline communication, I established a WhatsApp coordination group involving the Chief Director: Sport and Recreation (DCAS) and Mr. Avukile, ensuring real-time updates among all stakeholders.
In transit in Spain (at Madrid Airport) and enroute to Lisbon, I was informed (via Mr. Avukile and the Head of Ministry) that approximately 50% of the required funds had been raised.
I then met with the children, coaches, embassy staff where I informed them I am here to help and we will arrange return tickets. (Which at that point would have only been 50%) after the initial 50% was raised… We then proceeded to meet and discuss logistics.
It was during this logistics meeting where I got a call from Avukile that they have successfully raised all funds. This was amazing news which I shared with everyone!
Shortly after arrival, I met with the stranded group at a local park to gather more facts and checked in on their wellbeing, where I was joined by:
- Mr. Carl le Roux, Chargé d’Affaires at the South African Embassy in Portugal;
- The coaching staff; and
- Several South African expatriates in Lisbon, who provided moral and logistical support.
During this meeting, I received confirmation via telephone that the full fundraising target had been met, securing return flights without requiring government financial intervention.
These events and decisions were made under intense time pressure and in real-time coordination with civil society, provincial officials, diplomatic representatives, and diaspora support networks.
- whether his departmental funds were used to assist these players; if so, what are the relevant details?
-Response:
No Departmental funds were used to assist these players as crowd and parents funding raised enough funds to bring the children back to South Africa. The Western Cape Government’s contribution, through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and my Office, included:
- Coordinating directly with the South African Embassy in Lisbon to assess needs, verify facts, and ensure immediate diplomatic support.
- Convening on-the-ground briefings with the three coaches, community volunteers, and stranded youth to evaluate wellbeing, logistics, and risks.
- Communicating transparently with parents via a WhatsApp coordination group.
