The Gauteng provincial government has clarified that Premier Panyaza Lesufi accepted only stadium access tickets from Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie for the match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The clarification follows an uproar on social media after videos of Lesufi in Mexico began circulating online.
South Africa played its opening match of the tournament, which also served as the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, against Mexico on Thursday, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The team’s second Group Stage fixture is scheduled for June 18, 2026 against Czechia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States.
The video posted by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture sparked criticism from social media users, many of whom claimed taxpayers funded Lesufi’s trip.
“Politicians are eating our tax money instead of fixing our problems,” @MCc59189701 wrote on X.
“More wasted tax payer money,” said @Andre_JHB_ZA.
Others questioned why he was in Mexico.
“We paid for this thug to go to Mexico who put JHB residents to suffering,” said @ZizweNgwabe2015.
Other social media users demanded to know who covered the costs of Lesufi’s trip, saying that the province continues to face ongoing service delivery challenges, including water shortages, power outages, potholes, and non-functioning street and traffic lights.
Following the backlash, the Gauteng provincial government released a statement clarifying the matter.
“The Gauteng Provincial Government notes the importance of keeping the public informed on the movement of its public representatives.”
“In this regard premier Panyaza Lesufi has taken official leave without using the public purse even though Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie extended an invitation to the Premier in his official capacity,” said Gauteng provincial government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.
“The only offer the premier accepted from Minister McKenzie are the tickets to access the stadium.”
According to Mhlanga, Lesufi chose to attend in his private capacity, without government support staff, and did not use public funds or government protocols.
“Government business continues uninterrupted during the premier’s leave period, with established governance and administrative processes remaining in place to ensure the continued delivery of services to the people of Gauteng. In this regard, premier Lesufi appointed MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko to be the Acting Premier,” he said.
McKenzie sent an invitation letter to Lesufi on April 21.
“It is with great pleasure that I write to you as a colleague and fellow champion of our country’s development, to extend a personal invitation to attend two of South Africa’s group stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Gauteng is the economic heartland of South Africa, and I believe your presence at these historic fixtures would powerfully amplify the provincial and national brand at a moment of extraordinary global visibility.”
He said the World Cup represents an unparalleled platform not only for football, but also for investment promotion, tourism and the projection of South Africa as a confident, capable nation on the world stage.
“I extend this invitation to you in that spirit, as a shared national endeavour.
“This invitation will cover access for yourself and a guest to the DSAC suites,” he wrote.
“All other travel, accommodation, and related costs would be for the account of your office, subject to your applicable processes.
“Should you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to contact my office directly,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mexico scored two goals while Bafana Bafana saw dust as it not even score one goal.
IOL Politics
Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
