Grant Kekana’s Name Hijacks Bribe Hearings After Matlala Mentions Sister’s Past Relationship

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana has unexpectedly found himself swept into a political storm after his name surfaced during explosive parliamentary hearings into the cancelled R360 million SAPS health services contract.

Though Kekana is not accused of any wrongdoing, his brief mention — tied only to a past relationship — ignited social-media chatter and raised eyebrows over why MPs probed personal matters during a high-stakes corruption inquiry.

Cash in Woolies Bags and Fronting Allegations

The Ad Hoc Committee, tasked with investigating claims first raised by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, heard sensational allegations this week involving bags of cash, fronting schemes, and alleged bribe payments.

Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala admitted to MPs that he had appointed his sister, Claudette Masethe, as a “front” director of Medicare24 Tshwane District after resigning in December 2024 — while he continued to hold 100% shareholding.

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Matlala further disclosed that he instructed Masethe to make large cash withdrawals — R300,000 and R200,000 — from an FNB branch, allegedly placed in Woolworths shopping bags before being delivered to former police minister Bheki Cele. He claimed the money was part of a R1 million bribe demand, which Cele has denied under oath.

Enter: Grant Kekana

Amid these heavy allegations, MPs unexpectedly quizzed Matlala about Masethe’s past relationship with football star Grant Kekana.

Matlala confirmed the romance but stressed that it had no business relevance and had since ended.

“She was dating this boy who plays football from Mamelodi Sundowns, Grant Kekana… They have even broken up,” Matlala said.

He added that although he knew Kekana was the son of Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana, he had “never met her” and had no dealings with the deputy minister.

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Public Reaction: Confusion and Curiosity

The mention of a high-profile athlete in a corruption-heavy testimony quickly set social media ablaze. Many users questioned the relevance of dragging a footballer into a parliamentary probe.

One TikTok user, Sibongile Mhaga, reacted in disbelief:

“Wait!! Grant Kekana’s mom is also into politics?! Wait, wait!!”

Others criticised MPs for veering into private territory during a session meant to probe alleged bribery, fronting, and irregular tenders.

A Name Caught in the Crossfire

While Kekana remains entirely unconnected to the alleged corruption — and was referenced only because of a past relationship — his name now sits within the broader public narrative of a scandal involving millions in public funds, political intrigue, and questionable business dealings.

For many observers, his mention symbolised how quickly personal lives can become collateral damage in political battles.

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