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 Bafana Bafana match against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The clarification follows an uproar on social media after videos of Lesufi in Mexico began circulating online. Many users claimed taxpayers funded the trip, with some criticising the use of public money while the province faces service delivery challenges including water shortages, power outages and potholes.
Gauteng provincial government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said Lesufi took official leave without using the public purse. He said the only offer the premier accepted from McKenzie was tickets to access the stadium.
You heard it from Premier Panyaza Lesufi , We are in Mexico 🇲🇽 to support our boys 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/AWIQNyYlYX
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) June 11, 2026
According to Mhlanga, Lesufi chose to attend in his private capacity without government support staff and did not use public funds or government protocols. He said government business continues uninterrupted during the premier’s leave period, with health MEC Faith Mazibuko appointed as acting premier.
McKenzie sent an invitation letter to Lesufi on 21 April, saying Gauteng is the economic heartland of South Africa and that the premier’s presence would amplify the provincial and national brand. The letter stated that the invitation covered access for Lesufi and a guest to the DSAC suites, while all other travel, accommodation and related costs would be for the account of his office.
South Africa lost the opening match to Mexico 2-0. The team’s second group stage fixture is scheduled for 18 June against Czechia in Atlanta, Georgia.