PRETORIA – In a groundbreaking development for South African football, the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has officially confirmed that the government has honored its commitment to fund the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
During a media briefing at Freedom Park on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, McKenzie, both candid and assertive, addressed one of the Betway Premiership’s most pressing issues: the quality of officiating and the long-awaited introduction of VAR.
The Paper Trail
The Minister didn’t merely make an announcement—he provided tangible evidence. Holding up documents for the assembled media, McKenzie revealed that he was in possession of the “proof of payment,” confirming that funds had been transferred from the National Treasury to the South African Football Association (SAFA).
“Football is not waiting for South Africa; we’ve kept our promise of VAR,” McKenzie stated. “I have the proof of payment that the Treasury has given us permission. We’ve given the money for VAR to SAFA—they must just pay [the providers].”
Breaking Down the Rollout
The funding is part of a comprehensive, three-year plan to bring VAR into South African football. Key details include:
- The Initial Tranche: R20 million has been allocated to SAFA to kickstart the implementation process.
- Cost Management: Despite initial estimates of R80 million, McKenzie clarified that the final cost was “significantly lower,” thanks to thorough technical evaluations and international benchmarking.
- Implementation Date: The technology is expected to be in full operation for the 2026/27 season.
“The Ball is in SAFA’s Court”
Minister McKenzie underscored that the government’s role as financier and facilitator has been completed. Now, SAFA takes the lead as the official implementing body under FIFA’s governance structures. The association’s responsibility will include managing infrastructure, referee training, and setting up a dedicated VAR center.
This move comes after years of public frustration from fans and club owners, who have long argued that human error has been costing teams crucial points and trophies. By introducing VAR, the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture aims to align the local league with global standards already seen in the English Premier League, La Liga, and in African nations like Morocco and Egypt.
Why This Matters for Fans
For South African football fans, the introduction of VAR marks a significant step toward ensuring fairness in the game. While the technology has faced some global criticism for slowing the excitement of goal celebrations, its primary purpose here is to restore faith in the fairness and integrity of domestic officiating.
With the funds now securely in SAFA’s hands, the countdown to the 2026/27 season has officially begun.
