EFF calls for regulation of Springboks tickets

The EFF are calling on the government – via the Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie – to regulate the prices of Springbok match tickets, which they believe has led to the “exclusion of many people.”

This follows the South African rugby squad playing a series of test matches around the country, including at Loftus, Ellis Park, DHL Stadium, and Kings Park Stadium.

This weekend, the Boks will play their final match on home soil – at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

EFF WANTS SPRINGBOKS TICKETS TO BE REGULATED

On his X account, EFF’s Mazwi Blose revealed that the party had called on the government to regulate the prices of Springboks tickets.

In a sitting of the National Assembly last week, the party posed the petition to Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, who has previously claimed that national team matches should be accessible to all South Africans.

Blose revealed that Gayton had “taken no steps” towards the endeveours. 

The EFF spokesperson referred to the Minister as a “pantiti” [jailbird] – as previously mentioned by leader Julius Malema – adding that he “only knows how to twerk on Twitter for likes.”

Referring to previous test matches where tickets cost up to R4000, adding:  “These prices continue to perpetuate the exclusion of our people.”

We asked Minister Gayton McKenzie what steps he has taken to regulate the high ticket prices for Springboks games, as these prices continue to perpetuate exclusion of our people.”

The bhantiti says he has not done anything about it. Lazy airhead who only knows how to twerk on… pic.twitter.com/OjcFLM6ycD

— Mazwi Blose MP (@MazwiBlose) September 26, 2024

In another controversial tweet, he posted: “According to white racists and house n*gros, these ticket prices to watch a Springbok game is acceptable.”

Many South Africans disagreed in the comment section, claiming that tampering with ticket prices was a bad business move.

@angoepe50: “Regulate it for what? Rugby is a professional sport. It’s got massive expenses. Players and coaches need to be paid. If you can’t afford a ticket, watch it on TV”.

@errolbsk: “Prices of Springbok game tickets are regulated by the market, meaning demand.Nothing wrong with that.”

@UnityInSA: “Rugby is a professional sport, and the Springboks are an international brand. They have created a brand that is in high demand. Ticket prices are reflective of that”.

Ok ok ok let’s look at from a business point of view and sponsors as well.

Which sport is the biggest in South Africa? Demand= Supply.

Why do you think Soccer games tickets are cheaper than Springboks?

Comon Blose, zisharp manje.

— Mr Khondlo The Farmer (@ydb_ZN) September 27, 2024

‘THE WEALTHY GET TO WATCH’

Earlier this month, TV and radio personality Dan Corder shared similar views about the prices of Springboks tickets.

The eTV news presenter mentioned the DHL Stadium, to be specific, which hosted the Boks vs All Blacks game.

Tickets at the stadium were priced from R250 upwards, with a special ballot process selecting rugby fans for the cheapest option.

Dan said in a video clip, “Tons of tickets were priced at exorbitant rates. Many tickets are being sold at over R3 000 and R4 000. Those are official ticket sales, not from scalpers.

“Think of the millions of Capetonians who couldn’t even think about going to watch that game. Instead, the very wealthy got to watch the game.”

To make matters worse, Corder referred to the fact that the game was not broadcast on the SABC platforms. This meant that millions of South Africans who were not DStv Premium subscribers were unable to watch the Springboks take on the All Blacks.

Addressing Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, he said: “If you really want to make a meaningful difference, you need to change the way that we distribute ticketing to the Springboks games. So that more, everyday South Africans can watch the Springboks.

“That would be a legacy to be proud of.”

SHOULD SPRINGBOK TICKETS BE GOVERNMENT REGULATED?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest social media updates.