Gayton McKenzie vows to ensure the 2027 Cricket World Cup benefits all South Africans

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie vowed that the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which South Africa is set to host, will benefit not only the privileged but also the masses in townships and other disadvantaged areas.

Minister McKenzie and Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the Local Organising Committee Board (LOCB) for the 2027 Cricket World Cup at the CSA Headquarters in Melrose on Thursday. The LOCB will function under the leadership of former anti-apartheid activist and Minister of Finance, Mr Trevor Manuel, who has been appointed as the Independent Chairman.

McKenzie, alongside Manuel, reiterated that the showpiece event will not only benefit the privileged population of the country who are closer to the fire, but will also benefit the underprivileged masses spread across the various townships and villages around the country.

McKenzie told the media that, because of the past and pedigree of the personnel that make up the LOCB — one that also includes former Deputy President Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who is set to serve as an Independent Non-Executive Director — he is confident that the underprivileged masses and communities are included and will benefit from South Africa hosting its second-ever Cricket World Cup.

"The people that you have on this board, who — except for their academic qualifications — are people who dedicated their lives against oppression, fighting against oppression. They were involved, they risked everything to say we want people to be treated just and fairly in this world," said McKenzie.

"Now, there's no way that those types of people will have an elitist event (and exclude the masses), and that's what's giving me confidence. There's no way that the integrity that you have on that board is people who will just fold their arms, and it becomes a Sandton event.

"We are clear from the ministry side, we are unapologetic when it comes to the inclusion of the masses of our people, and I will be the first one to stand up and say ‘nonsense’ if I can see the majority of people are not included.

"So, don't lose any sleep over that fact. We are all going to look at not (only) certain townships, but all townships will benefit."

The board has a little over two years to help put together a Cricket World Cup that will leave a legacy and inspire millions of young kids, boys and girls, to pick up the bat and ball.

Off the field, the LOCB is in charge of making sure that the showpiece event has an impact far beyond the cricket — including addressing the burning issue of the high unemployment rate in the country, as well as supporting small and medium businesses, among other issues.

Cricket World Cup 2027 LOCB

Trevor Manuel, Independent Chairman of the Board

Johannes Adams, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Yunus Bobat, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Herman Bosman, Independent Non-Executive Director

Vuyani Jarana, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Nomfanelo Magwentshu, Independent Non-Executive Director

Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Independent Non-Executive Director

Ravi Naidoo, Independent Non-Executive Director

Dr. Stavros Nicolaou, Independent Non-Executive Director

Advocate Philip October, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC, Independent Non-Executive Director

Unathi Matthew Tshotwana, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director

Ex Officio

Pholetsi Moseki, Ex-Officio - Chief Executive Officer CSA

Refentse Shinners, Ex-Officio - Public Affairs Executive CSA

Tjaart van der Walt, Ex-Officio - Chief Financial Officer CSA