Pretoria: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has revealed that a significant meeting is set to take place in the next two weeks with representatives from Formula 1 (F1). The Kyalami Grand Prix has been granted permission to modify its design, paving the way for a potential return of F1 to the country.
According to South African Government News Agency, McKenzie spoke in Parliament on Tuesday while presenting a R6.3 billion budget aimed at unlocking local talent in both sports and the arts and culture. He emphasized that the government would not be expected to fund the F1 event. Companies like MTN, MultiChoice, and Heineken have shown support for the initiative and will join the discussions with Formula 1 representatives.
The Minister highlighted the importance of hosting major international events, recalling South Africa's successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup. He argued that failing to bring F1 back would be a missed opportunity to showcase the country on a global stage. McKenzie noted that the absence of an F1 race in sub-Saharan Africa detracts from the sport's claim to be a world championship.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to those promoting the sport of spinning, mentioning Red Bull's sponsorship of Samkeliso Thubane, a South African spinning motorsport athlete. Thubane, also known as Sam Sam, has gained international acclaim and recently performed in Austria.
In addition to F1, McKenzie announced South Africa's exploration of hosting a LIV Golf tournament. He hopes to surpass Australia's attendance figures for the event. Plans are also underway to send a larger contingent of athletes to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, with a long-term vision of hosting the Summer Olympic Games in South Africa in 2036.
The Minister also stated that funding for video assistant refereeing (VAR) in football is being finalized to meet global standards and ensure fairness in matches from the Premier Soccer League to international fixtures.