Exclusive: South Africa Sports Minister Backs US ‘ICE' Programme Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Following their elimination in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Bafana Bafana will now turn their attention to the biggest stage in world football — the FIFA World Cup.

As South Africa’s qualification campaign continues, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has once again made headlines with strong and controversial remarks ahead of the global tournament.

The FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States of America and Mexico. However, strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States have raised concerns that visa restrictions could prevent South African supporters from attending the tournament.

Calls from some quarters to boycott the World Cup have been firmly dismissed by McKenzie, who warned of severe consequences should South Africa withdraw from the competition.

“People who are saying that we must boycott the World Cup are suffering from cow disease,” McKenzie told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“The repercussions for South Africa would be severe, and we would be banned from international football.”

Addressing criticism of former US President Donald Trump, McKenzie added, “I know people don’t like Donald Trump — then they must vote him out of power.”

Safety Concerns for South Africans in the USA

Concerns over the safety of South African citizens travelling to the United States have intensified amid reports of immigrants being detained or killed. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) programme has been at the centre of the debate, with its strict measures targeting undocumented immigrants.

Despite these concerns, McKenzie openly voiced his support for ICE, aligning himself with its enforcement approach.

“I totally agree with ICE. We must do the same here with what they’re doing there,” he said. 

“I cannot criticise something that I want in my own country.”

The minister went further, dismissing fears around World Cup travel. 

“If you want to go to the World Cup and you have a visa, what problems do you have? If you go through the proper processes of attaining a visa, you will be fine. I won’t be politically correct — viva ICE! I agree with Donald Trump.”

McKenzie’s comments have drawn criticism from some who believe the safety and well-being of South Africans abroad have not been sufficiently considered. Others argue that the statements reflect personal political views rather than public concerns.

FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour Visits South Africa

Amid the controversy, South African football fans were given a rare moment of celebration this week as the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, in partnership with Coca-Cola, made its way through the country. The tour began in Johannesburg and concluded in Cape Town on Sunday, allowing fans to see the iconic trophy up close.

“It is very good for the World Cup to come to South Africa,” McKenzie said. 

“I was part of the process and decision-making to bring the World Cup here. South Africa is not a small country — we are the greatest country in the world. How can the greatest trophy not come to the greatest country in the world?”

Displaying confidence in the national team’s future, McKenzie boldly predicted World Cup success for Bafana Bafana.

“There is no country like South Africa, and I definitely think we will win the World Cup,” he said. 

“You may look at stats and all that, but that’s not how football works. I go with my heart — we will win.”