Gayton McKenzie has asked to meet with FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding SAFA President Danny Jordaan, who has been accused of R1.3 million worth of theft and corruption.
Jordaan and co-accused Gronie Hluyo and Trevor Neethling appeared at Palm Ridge Specialised Crimes Court on December 5, which concluded with a R20,000 bail to the three suspects.
Gayton McKenzie caught in the middle?
Former convict turned Sports Minister McKenzie wants to address the situation head-on to ensure Bafana Bafana isn’t expelled from FIFA.
Here is what he to say:
UFC, Formula 1
The 50-year-old politician began his Minister posting in July 2024 following several high-profile roles, including Executive Mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality, and he’s been quick to promise South Africans several major events, such as the return of Formula One and Africa’s first UFC ticket.
In a conversation with motorsport personality LalliesF1, McKenzie said: “I can tell you this, F1 is definitely coming [to South Africa].
“F1 told us they’re keen to come, they told us what they’ll need to come and we are going to give them what they need to come.”
Regarding the UFC, Gayton McKenzie said, “We have silently worked on it and we are very close to an official announcement. We have some things to do and fix, but the fight is happening in SA.
“There’s still a big fight at the moment. Is it Cape Town or is it Joburg? That decision has not been taken.”
Another mission he’s stated is to elevate track and fields tv viewership: “The ministry has joined forces with SuperSport, Athletics SA, South African Schools Athletics and the Department of Basic Education in launching an exciting Track+Field Schools Athletics Series, starting in January next year.
“The schools’ athletics series will be open to all high schools throughout the country and the objective will be to crown the top athletics high school in the country.
“The DStv Schools Netball Challenge for all under-19 high school teams is in its fourth year already and is aimed at inspiring the next generation of South Africa’s netball stars while also contributing towards increasing inter-school competitions,” McKenzie reported.
Do you think Gayton McKenzie is doing a good job?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.