Gayton McKenzie slams ‘embarrassing’ SAFA chaos and violence

A South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting erupted into chaos on Saturday, with officials exchanging blows in a shocking display that has plunged the organisation into a new crisis.

The gathering at SAFA House, intended to address key administrative matters, was abruptly halted after verbal disputes escalated into physical violence.

Footage from the meeting, which was chaired by SAFA President Danny Jordaan, captured the moment when heated arguments gave way to pushing, shoving, and punches being thrown. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and exposed the deep-seated factionalism within South African football’s governing body.

Power Struggle Boils Over

According to GOAL, the conflict reportedly ignited over a motion to suspend four NEC members: Gladwin White, Monde Montshiwa, Bhuda Mathate, and Lebogang Riet. The proposal, brought forward by Football Transformation Forum (FTF) convener Tankiso Modipa, accused the members of violating communication policies.

However, critics view the motion as a political maneuver to consolidate power for Jordaan, who is seeking a fourth term as president in the upcoming elections. Tensions flared when the suspension was prioritised on the agenda, a move seen by some as an attempt to silence dissenting voices before other crucial topics could be discussed.

SAFA, Danny Jordaan and NEC Members

What’s happening? 😒#AfricanFootball I #SAFA pic.twitter.com/JKX6gxNaqB
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) March 7, 2026

Members aligned with the “Save Our Soccer” (SOS) movement, a group opposing Jordaan’s leadership, reacted furiously, leading to the brawl that forced the meeting’s adjournment.

Minister Calls for Accountability

The shameful scenes drew a swift and sharp rebuke from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who described the conduct as “hugely embarrassing and shameful.” In a statement on social media, McKenzie vowed that the government would not stand by while the sport’s reputation is tarnished by its own administrators.

“This is hugely embarrassing and shameful behaviour by the people tasked with running our football,” McKenzie wrote on X. “We will be informing CAF and FIFA of our intention to investigate and take action. We are hard at work bringing corporate sponsorship to SAFA to allow this nonsense.”

This is hugely embarrassing and shameful behaviour by the people tasked with running our football. We will be informing @CAF_Online, @FIFA about our intention to investigate and take action. We are hard at work bringing corporate sponsorship to @SAFA_net to allow this nonsense pic.twitter.com/XKlmP49snw
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) March 7, 2026

SAFA Blames ‘Disruptive’ Individuals

In an official response, SAFA attributed the disruption to a small group of individuals and expressed regret that the meeting could not proceed. The association stated that months of preparation for important agenda items, including financial reports and World Cup preparations for Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, were undermined.

“The meeting was disrupted by four members in the room, and SAFA decided to adjourn the meeting to protect the integrity of the association,” the statement read. “SAFA regrets that these four individuals impacted on the entire programme… their tireless hard work has been undermined by a few.”

The organisation reiterated its commitment to preparing national teams for international competition despite the internal turmoil.

An Uncertain Future

This latest incident casts a dark shadow over the upcoming SAFA elective congress scheduled for September. With regional elections already plagued by disputes, the violence at the NEC meeting underscores the profound divisions threatening the stability of South African football as Danny Jordaan attempts to extend his presidency.