Twitter was abuzz on Wednesday after screengrabs of an email allegedly received from Nedbank, informing their clients that they can buy tickets for Global Citizen Festival started circulating.
But tweeps were skeptical about the alleged ticket sales, as the festival — which will be held at FNB Stadium, in Johannesburg, on 2 December — was announced as a free-ticketed event: those keen on attending the event needed to earn points in an effort to secure a ticket.
Speaking to Channel 24, Nedbank explained that 30% of the festival's tickets were purchased by corporate sponsors.
"70% of tickets will be earned by global citizens who take action. The remaining tickets are private sales through our partners to cover production costs and our campaigns. All artists attending are donating their time to global citizen, and perform for free." Andrew Kirk, global director for corporate communications at the organisation told Channel 24.
Founder CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, also joined the conversation on Wednesday, by responding to a Twitter user who was looking for an explanation. Evans said there are a "limited number of premium tickets available for pre-sale to Nedbank employees and customers".
Sign up and become a Global Citizen today and you will be the first to be notified once action journeys commence on August 21st.
There are a limited number of premium tickets available via pre-sale for Nedbank employees and customers starting from Wednesday, 11 July.
— Hugh Evans (@Hughcevans) July 11, 2018
Nedbank's ticket prices range between R1840 and R5325. Tickets went on sale on Wednesday.
The festival will be headlined by international power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z, alongside other big local and international stars like Cassper Nyovest and Coldplay's Chris Martin.
Breaking news! @Beyonce, JAY-Z ( @S_C_), @EdSheeran, and more are headed to Johannesburg for Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100 🙌🏾✌🏿⭕
See more: https://t.co/LfYMflGTBU pic.twitter.com/i9RlzdQjcw
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) July 9, 2018