Adil Rashid of Pretoria Capitals in action during their SA20 match against Paarl Royals at SuperSport Park in Tshwane\

Image: Ron Gaunt/Sportzpics/SA20/BackpagePix

Cape Town council has backed a two-season, R5m sponsorship for the Betway SA20 final, including R2.5m for 2026/27 and another R2.5m for 2028/29.

A special meeting of the council on Thursday approved the sponsorship despite opposition not to commit for the second year pending an assessment of the event and the review of the City’s financial position.

The council also gave the go-ahead to the Urban Mobility directorate to consider the waiver of parking permit fees, and also approved the waiver of poster and swivel banner tariff fee during the years of sponsorship.

A report tabled to the meeting said the Betway SA20 final has become one of the country's most sought-after sporting events, with every final to date selling out.

Report highlights SA20’s growing popularity

“The 2026 Final attracted approximately 14 000 spectators to the Newlands Cricket Grounds, while over the course of the 2026 tournament, 22 of the 34 scheduled matches were sold out, showing growth from the 17 sold-out matches during the previous season. This continued increase in attendance demonstrates the tournament's growing popularity and its ability to consistently attract large audiences,” it said.

The report also said hosting the Betway SA20 Final represented a significant opportunity for the City to reinforce its reputation as a leading destination for major sporting events.

It added that hosting the final provided Cape Town with extensive international visibility.

The report said the Betway SA20 had raised R590 000 to support community development initiatives, including grassroots cricket programmes.

However, the report noted that the Betway SA20 will not be hosted in 2028 due the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa. 

“A multi-year support agreement will assist with the long-term planning and delivery of the event,” read the report.

Opposition questions long-term commitment

Freedom Front Plus councillor Emre Uygun said his party supported the R2.5m sponsorship for the 2026-27 financial year but was concerned about committing an additional R2.5m for 2028-2029.

“Committing ratepayers' money more than two years in advance when circumstances, budgets, and priorities may change, is therefore premature,” Uygun said.

He said Cape Town's ratepayers were already under significant financial pressure as rates and tariffs continue to rise. 

“While Cape Town urgently needs investment, tourism, and economic growth, given the reported growth rate of just 0.6% in the first quarter for this year, the ratepayers' money must still be managed responsibly and allocated wisely,” he said.

Parties debate economic benefits

“Council can consider the proposal closer to the time, assess the outcomes of the 2026-27 event, review the City's financial position, and determine whether further sponsorship is justified,” Uygun said.

The ANC's Phindile George said his party recognised the importance of major sporting events such as the SA20 Cricket League finals in promoting social cohesion, bringing people together, showcasing Cape Town as a sporting destination, and contributing to tourism and economic activity.

"It cannot be enough for Cape Town to become a spectacular destination for tourists, with residents watching from the sidelines while the economic opportunities are captured by established businesses and external service providers,” George said.

He also said the hosting of the SA20 Cricket League finals must be an opportunity to provide or to promote inclusive local economic development.

The DA's Yusuf Mohamed said he understood concerns regarding the sponsorship.

“In big events like this, it takes two to three years to plan, and these events have real professional planners involved. There are financial implications that need to be taken into consideration. It is not premature to allocate this type of funding now, so early in the planning phase,” Mohamed said.

“There are millions of people in Cape Town, hundreds of thousands of companies, but there shouldn't be a dispute that event support supports social benefits through sport,” said Mohamed.