Latest news with #SiweleleFC
IOL News
21 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Meet Calvyn Le'John: Sports minister Gayton McKenzie's son behind Siwelele revival
'Grew up in money' Calvyn Le'John, the son of sports minister Gayton McKenzie, has been unveiled as the new owner of Siwelele FC, rebranded from SuperSport United. Photo: Robert Marawa 1on X Image: Robert Marawa 1on X Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has given the reason behind his son changing his name to Calvyn Le'John. On Thursday, Le'John was announced as the sole owner of the newly rebranded Siwelele FC after he successfully bought the PSL status of Tshwane giants SuperSport United. It was later revealed that the 29-year-old Le'John is McKenzie's son. Speaking about why the businessman goes by that name, McKenzie revealed it was because he wanted to stay out of the spotlight. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'He changed his surname because he said he doesn't want the limelight that comes with being Gayton McKenzie's son. He's reserved,' McKenzie said, as per City Press. 'If you look at the cars he drives and the houses he has, you would think he would flaunt them on social media. That's not him.' McKenzie also added that since he's been in politics, Le'John has been running the family business and is the owner of the new club – not a front. The minister also added that his son had big plans for the club that would revitalise football in Bloemfontein. 'He's also putting in R400 million to build a football city in Bloemfontein. He's talking to a bank that will assist him. SuperSport United had a marvellous academy in Gauteng. We want to replicate that in Bloemfontein.' On where all the money came from, McKenzie said: 'We are a fairly wealthy family. We have interests in mining, transportation, hotels, and publishing. We also have diamond mines. My son took over the ownership of all the family businesses before I was appointed as a minister. As ministers, we are not allowed to be involved in any private business. '… All our family businesses have been given to him. He grew up in money. He grew up in business,' said McKenzie. When asked about public scrutiny regarding his son's wealth, McKenzie drew comparisons to how young white entrepreneurs are perceived, saying: 'People will say he is so young; where does he get the money? White kids at 29 have businesses. But you don't ask where they get the money.' IOL Sport
The South African
a day ago
- Business
- The South African
Family business? Gayton McKenzie's son buys PSL club
Calvin Le John, the first-born son of Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie, is the new owner of PSL club SuperSport United – and South Africans are unsurprised at the 'convenience.' The news was announced by sports broadcaster Robert Marawa on the X platform. The club, which was reportedly sold for R50 million, will change its name to Siwelele FC. Its goal is to revive the glory days of the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtics, which later became Royal AM. In an X post, Robert Marawa broke the news that SuperSport United had been sold to a new owner, Calvin Le John. The deal – which cost R50 million – took place through a closed bidding process. Interestingly, Calvin is the son of Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie and reportedly changed his last name to avoid public scrutiny. Calvin now takes up the post of chairman of the PSL club. He wants to officially rebrand as Siwelele FC and fill a void that the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtics left behind. Calvin Le John said in a statement: 'As Siwelele FC, we are privileged to have been given the responsibility of continuing with a rich winning tradition in the PSL. SuperSport and the MultiChoice Group laid an incredible 30-year platform that we wish to build upon, should we get the final vote of approval from the PSL Executive Committee'. SuperSport United's new owner is the son of Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie. The R50 million closed bidding deal has sparked controversy. Image via Facebook. Marawa said of the deal – and Calvin's relation to the minister: 'Football holds a special place in his heart. Siwelele FC is not just a club – it's a promise to the people of Bloemfontein. Calvin is not doing this for attention. He's doing it for legacy.' News that SuperSport United's new owner, Calvin Le John, is the son of Gayton McKenzie did not come as much of a surprise to South African football fans. Some have even accused the minister of having a hand in the closed bidding deal. Gayton Mackenzie is the real Mafia!🤣 — YourServant (@ArnoModd) July 3, 2025 According to a profile of the new PSL club owner, Calvin Le John changed his name several years ago in the hopes of also becoming a hotshot businessman like his dad. The eldest son of Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, was entrusted with running the family's extensive business empire in the sectors of mining, transport, hospitality, entertainment, properties, and publishing. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
