By Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has extended his official congratulations to Dr. Danny Jordaan following his re-election as President of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
Dr. Jordaan secured his renewed mandate at the SAFA Elective Congress hosted in Midrand on Saturday, 12 September 2026, prevailing over fellow presidential contender Sandile Zungu after a closely contested campaign.
Highlighting the timing of the victory, MEC Maile emphasized that the leadership continuation arrives at a vital juncture for the country’s football ecosystem. “His re-election comes at an important moment for South African football, when the country needs unity, stability and a strong programme for the development of the game at every level,” stated Maile.
With football serving as a premier instrument for social cohesion, youth development, and nation-building, the MEC stressed the necessity of tightening cooperation between government bodies and SAFA. The primary focus remains anchored on reconstructing school sports and engineering an unyielding pipeline from grassroots environments directly into professional and national setups.
Maile underlined that Gauteng’s financial and structural investments in school sports must integrate smoothly with the broader national development grid to guarantee gifted youngsters receive proper exposure. “The future of Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana begins in our communities and schools,” Maile noted, adding that authorities must back coaches and empower educators to clear pathways to elite competition.
In addition to endorsing the returning leadership, Maile acknowledged the democratic contribution of Sandile Zungu for challenging the presidency, pointing out that robust contestation of ideas remains vital to fortifying sporting institutions.
As the new term commences, the Gauteng provincial government has signalled its readiness to collaborate alongside SAFA, clubs, legends, coaches, and local communities to elevate South African football to unprecedented heights.
