Gayton McKenzie-linked group buys Ticketpro ahead of 2027 Cricket World Cup
A consortium linked to South African politician Gayton McKenzie has acquired Ticketpro, the primary ticketing vendor for major national sports bodies. This move has sparked concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and political influence in the country's sports economy.
Why it matters
It raises critical questions about transparency and governance in the intersection of government oversight and commercial sports procurement.
The former chief of staff to Sport Minister and Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie is the new CEO of Cricket South Africa’s incumbent ticketing vendor. This follows the sale of Ticketpro to a women-owned empowerment consortium with links to the PA, raising concerns about alleged political influence in SA’s lucrative sport and culture economy.
5 Oct 2026 Bakang Lethoko, Gayton McKenzie and Astrid Harrison. (Illustration by Bernard Kotze) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s former chief of staff, a McKenzie board appointee and a “proud” member of the Patriotic Alliance have emerged as central figures in a multimillion-rand acquisition that places Ticketpro in the hands of a new women-owned consortium.
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