Overall narrative:

Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) recognises that immediate measures must be taken to address the ticketing situation, in order to keep supporters safe and to address the ever-increasing incidence of ticket fraud.

We have, for some time now, been exploring various ticketing options and have found what we believe to be a ticketing system that will not only improve spectator safety and provide for the better management of crowds, but will also assist in making access to tickets easier and more convenient.

Initially planned for implementation at the end of the current football season, these changes will now take effect immediately.

1. Is this a reaction to the Feb 1 fixture between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs?

2. - While that fixture certainly prompted immediate action, SMSA, as well as our clubs, have long since been investigating technologies that would prevent ticket fraud and create safer and more seamless experience for you – the fans.

3. Define ‘investigating technologies’

4. - It’s a matter of looking globally to see how we compare to best-in-class practices and eliminating solutions that we know from experience have not been successful.

5. What are the clubs saying about the new system?

6. - Given the challenges faced, SMSA is proceeding with the full support of both Kaizer Chiefs FC and Orlando Pirates FC.

7. Will this new solution solve all ticketing woes?

8. While there is no cure-all when it comes to fraud, what we do have is a clear understanding of where things went wrong previously and a good set of tools with which to counter it. Yes, we will have teething problems – but making the buying process easier and ensuring that legitimate ticket holders have safe access to FNB Stadium is our main concern.

9. What other security measures are in place?

10. SMSA and Open Tickets are implementing enhanced security measures at stadium entry points to ensure that only legitimate ticket holders can gain access. This will make the entry process safer and more eQicient when you attend games at the stadium.
    These changes involve many new measures, including the following:

    1. Many more correctly trained and briefed personnel at the entrance to scan and actively eliminate fake tickets.
    2. A more stable system that scans regardless of signal or electricity.
    3. Hugely ramped up security measures outside and inside of the stadium.
    4. Physical Thermal Tickets as a paper ticketing solution to curtail fraudulent tickets, or easily faked till slip tickets.
    5. Additional advanced safety measures, the details of which are kept confidential to preserve their eQectiveness.
11. When will the new ticketing measures come into effect?

12. These new ticketing measures will apply to all fixtures at FNB Stadium and Orlando Stadium from 1 March 2025 . More details on the various ticketing purchase options will be available across all club, venue, and Open Tickets platforms from 25 February 2025 .

13. Is it not too late in the season for such drastic changes?

14. - Ensuring your safety and the safety of tens of thousands of South African soccer fans who are legitimate ticket holders is our primary concern. To ‘wait for the next season’ would be a wildly irresponsible thing to do. In addition, SMSA has assured media, fans and our stakeholders that we will find a solution to ensure the next derby goes oQ without a hitch.

15. Is the new buying process complicated?

16. - In a first for the industry, you will now also be able to purchase tickets via WhatsApp, using Capitec Pay, Zapper, 1Voucher, or card payments. Combined with purchase at Shoprite, USave and Checkers retail outlets, this ensures that tickets are more accessible than ever, and more resistant to fraud.
    - For the 1st of February Soweto derby fixture, 29 000 tickets were bought online, indicating that fans appreciate having this ability at their fingertips. The new ticketing system does not require you to download an app to purchase tickets, potentially encouraging an even greater shift towards digital ticket buying among fans.

17. How does SMSA plan on curtailing fraud and preventing too many people from getting into the stadium?

18. - If we shared the details, we would be giving fraudsters a heads up. Instead, let us assure you that various features have been implemented to authenticate tickets and to ensure purchasing your tickets is as easy as possible.
    - Certain features are unlikely to ever be published. What we can tell you, though, is that we plan on blocking fraudsters from buying tickets to any future fixture once they have been identified.

19. How can fans buy tickets now?

20. - On a dedicated, approved WhatsApp line. Make sure you use the correct line and do not accept links, as these could be fraudulent.
    - On your team’s website.
    - On Open Tickets’ website.
    - And through 1 700 Shoprite, USave and Checkers nationwide.
    - We will publish detailed infographics that will be available on club websites, SMSA website, Open Tickets’ website, and in print to give you a step-by-step breakdown of how to buy your match tickets.

21. How can fans ensure that they have valid tickets?

22. - We encourage you to only interact through the verified and correct WhatsApp business line that you can find on the club websites, the SMSA website, and the Open Tickets website. Club channels will also aid us in sharing the correct details.
    - We kindly ask you not to buy any paper or printed tickets from individuals on your way to the games – these are almost guaranteed to be fake tickets, and you will spend your hard-earned money on a ticket only to be turned away at the gate.

23. How can fans find more details?

24. - For more information on how to purchase your tickets, please contact Chief Commercial Officer Nirusha Moodley at
    nirusham@stadiummanagement.co.za. You can also visit your club’s website as well as Open Tickets’ site – opentickets.co.za.

25. Can we contact anyone with queries?

26. - We welcome all questions! Please email nirusham@stadiummanagement.co.za.