{
  "id": 12057886,
  "title": "CAUGHT OUT: Gayton McKenzie-linked empowerment consortium scores Ticketpro deal ahead of 2027 Cricket World Cup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/caught-out-gayton-mckenzie-linked-empowerment-consortium-scores",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T03:00:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-05-gayton-mckenzie-ticketpro-cricket-south-africa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Chief of Staff to Sport Minister and Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie is now the CEO of Cricket South Africa's ticketing vendor, Ticketpro. The sale of Ticketpro to a women-owned empowerment consortium, which has ties to McKenzie's political party, has raised concerns about political influence in South Africa's lucrative sports and culture economy. McKenzie's former chief of staff, Bakang Lethoko, took over as Ticketpro's new CEO in June 2026. The deal also involves other PA-linked individuals. Ticketpro is the official ticketing vendor for Cricket South Africa and the South African Football Association, selling tickets for upcoming home fixtures and the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup. McKenzie has denied any influence over commercial decisions, stating that the Minister cannot exercise direct procurement decisions.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Chief of Staff Gayton McKenzie becomes Ticketpro CEO",
    "Women-owned empowerment consortium acquires Ticketpro deal",
    "PA links raise concerns about political influence in South Africa"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development suggests that political connections may be influencing business deals in South Africa's sports economy, with concerns arising about the involvement of a politician's associates in a lucrative ticketing contract.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}