Trevor Manuel: Government Support Vital for 2027 Cricket World Cup Success

Local organising committee (LOC) chairperson Trevor Manuel says the success of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will depend heavily on strong government backing.

Announced on Thursday as chairperson of a new 15-member LOC board, the former Minister of Finance said all three spheres of government national, provincial, and local must play a role.

“The success of the Cricket World Cup will largely be because national government can bring all three spheres of government into play. It’s fundamentally important,” Manuel said.

Beyond 2027: Building a Lasting Legacy

Manuel stressed that the tournament’s value would extend far beyond cricket itself, particularly in boosting tourism and South Africa’s international reputation.

“The experience is what matters. The experience is what will be lasting and will bring people back to South Africa,” he said.
“It can’t just be a set of events in 2027. It needs to be an all-in effort, so we’re going to depend very much on government to deliver and work with us.”

Government Responds: “Born Ready”

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the tournament.

“When it is necessary for South Africa to rise to the occasion, it never fails. From government’s side we are born ready for these types of events,” McKenzie said.

Independent studies suggest the World Cup could create over 27,000 jobs and add more than R15 billion to the economy.

A Continental Project

Cricket South Africa board chairperson Pearl Maphoshe described the tournament as an opportunity to showcase South Africa and Africa  on the world stage.

“This event is significant, not just for South Africa but for Africa as a whole. It is more than a sporting event for us. It’s a national project and indeed an African project that we embrace with a sense of responsibility.”

The Tournament at a Glance

• Matches in SA: 44 across eight stadiums

• Matches in Zimbabwe & Namibia: 10 (Bulawayo, Harare, Windhoek)

• Dates: October–November 2027

• LOC Board Chairperson: Trevor ManuelFull LOC Board of Directors

{Source: TheCitizen}

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