South Africa is edging closer to reclaiming its place on the Formula 1 calendar, with a high-level meeting between government officials and Formula 1 executives scheduled in the next two weeks.
The announcement was made in Parliament by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who confirmed that progress has been made and a critical decision is imminent.
Central to the bid is the historic Kyalami circuit, which has now received authorisation to modify its layout—marking a crucial step towards hosting the country’s first Grand Prix since 1993. In a departure from previous failed attempts, the current proposal is being privately funded, with entrepreneur Toby Venter, owner of the Kyalami racetrack, spearheading the necessary upgrades. Minister McKenzie praised Venter’s efforts as “a patriotic duty,” signalling a more sustainable and commercially viable approach.
Leading corporate sponsors, including MTN, MultiChoice, and Heineken, have thrown their weight behind the initiative and are expected to attend the upcoming meeting with Formula 1 management.
“You cannot speak of a world championship while excluding an entire continent,” said McKenzie, highlighting the absence of Sub-Saharan Africa on the current F1 roster. He also paid tribute to South Africa’s motorsport legacy, notably the 1979 F1 World Championship victory by Jody Scheckter, the only African ever to claim the title.
Beyond F1, the minister outlined South Africa’s wider sporting ambitions. Plans are underway to host a LIV Golf tournament in 2026, and there is early interest in bidding for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games.
In domestic football, McKenzie confirmed that funding is being finalised to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR)technology in the national league, a move aimed at aligning South Africa with global refereeing standards.
Source: Further Africa
