SA Tourism R1bn sponsorship deal to Tottenham Hotspur unjustified – Ramaphosa

JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday weighed in on the contentious Tottenham Hotspur deal.

He said on the face of it, he doesn’t believe spending R1 billion this way is justified.

Earlier this week, the Daily Maverick reported that SA Tourism was considering an almost R1 billion sponsorship of British football club Tottenham Hotspur.

It’s also been suggested that the President would be announcing the deal at the State Of the Nation Address (Sona) next Thursday.

READ: SA Tourism interim CFO linked to agency paid to work on Spurs campaign: Report

READ: SA Tourism clarifies difference between funds for service delivery and tourism

READ: SA TOURISM’S PROPOSED R1BN DEAL WITH TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: SANE OR IRRATIONAL?

The news has been met with widespread controversy.

And now the President, himself, has spoken out.

His spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said: “The Presidency has not been briefed on this reported sponsorship, nor is there any plan to announce it during the Sona address. Even though the Presidency has not been briefed, we do not think spending so much money in the manner that is being suggested will be justified.”