By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former finance minister Trevor Manuel has been appointed to head the local organising committee (LOC) for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
South Africa alongside host venue countries Zimbabwe and Namibia will host the 50-over World Cup.
The committee will work in tandem with Cricket South Africa (CSA) over the next two years to prepare for the global showpiece.
Manuel brings a rich background of government leadership, where he led economic reform and national development planning. His leadership reflects the discipline and strategy essential in both sport and board governance.
He will be supported by six Independent Non-Executive Directors, five Non-Independent Non-Executive Directors, and three Ex-Officio members, making up the full Board.
The board is as follows: 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 DirectorNomfanelo 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 Directo, Advocate Philip October, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC, Independent Non-Executive Director and Unathi Matthew Tshotwana, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director. EX OFFICIO
Pholetsi Moseki, Ex-Officio – Chief Executive Officer CSA, Tjaart van der Walt, Ex-Officio – Chief Financial Officer CSA and Refentse Shinners, Ex-Officio – Public Affairs Executive CSA.
CSA Board Chairperson, Pearl Maphoshe said: “CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflects the face of South Africa—diverse, inclusive, and united. The tournament will be vibrantly different in its style and atmosphere, and its experiences. It will provide players, fans and partners with the most unique, unforgettable experience.
“CSA offers its full support to the appointed LOCB and is confident in their ability to successfully deliver on the mandate set, ensuring a seamless and impactful event.”
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, says he has no doubt the Board will deliver the best ever World Cup tournament.
The first time South Africa hosted a Cricket World Cup was in 2003. Ali Bacher was head of the LOC then, while Gerald Majola became the first black CEO of CSA.