South Africa could soon rejoin the Formula 1 calendar, with a pivotal meeting between government officials and F1 representatives scheduled in the next two weeks, according to Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, McKenzie confirmed that the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received approval to modify its design, a move that could pave the way for the country’s first F1 race since 1993.
“We have had multiple meetings with the management of F1, with a crucial one happening in the next two weeks,” he said.
Unlike previous bids, the current initiative would not rely on government funding.
McKenzie praised Toby Venter, owner of the Kyalami track, for committing to upgrade the facility independently, calling it a “patriotic duty.”
Major sponsors, including MTN, MultiChoice and Heineken, have expressed support and are expected to attend the upcoming meeting with F1 officials.
McKenzie argued that hosting Formula 1 is not a luxury but a strategic opportunity.
“It can’t be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, sub-Saharan Africa in particular,” he said.
Beyond Formula 1, South Africa is exploring hosting a LIV Golf tournament in 2026 and has expressed interest in staging the Summer Olympic Games in 2036.
McKenzie also announced that funding is being finalised for Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) in domestic football, aiming to meet global standards and reduce match-day controversies.
JN/APA