AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY: DA, EFF, ActionSA demand answers on McKenzie-linked Ticketpro deal
Questions over Bakang Lethoko’s appointment as Ticketpro CEO have intensified, with opposition parties alleging political influence and calling for disclosure of ownership, funding and contracts.
Opposition parties DA, EFF, and ActionSA have demanded answers over controversial appointments linked to Cricket South Africa CEO Gayton McKenzie. Allegations of political influence and conflicts of interest have emerged following the recent appointment of former chief of staff for the Formula One Bid Steering Committee, Bakang Lethoko, as CEO of ticketing firm Ticketpro.
The ticketing company serves both Cricket South Africa and the South African Football Association. Two other individuals connected to the Patriotic Alliance are also listed as directors in Ticketpro's corporate structure.
DA MPs Mlindi Nhanha and Leah Potgieter have formally referred the matter to the Public Protector, raising concerns about potential breaches of the Executive Ethics Code and conflicts of interest. The Auditor-General has previously reported poor record-keeping and confirmed instances of fraud within McKenzie's department, where targets have regressed by 13% and management of consequences has been flagged as a significant risk.
The EFF has criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the Ticketpro deal, questioning the purchase price, funding source, and the handling of ticketing arrangements ahead of the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup. The party has called for an expedited investigation by the Public Protector and for Ticketpro and Cricket South Africa to disclose how the deal was secured.
McKenzie has denied any involvement in Lethoko's appointment and dismissed concerns about political ties, while Ticketpro Group has denied that its perceived political connections are problematic. The EFF has also highlighted McKenzie's history of controversial appointments, including a 2022 Sandton gala dinner where donations for service delivery projects were allegedly misdirected and subsequently ordered disclosed by a court.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been asked to address the matter of McKenzie's continued role in Cabinet despite ongoing forensic investigations.
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