South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, announced that the country remains committed to hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, targeting the years 2028 or 2029. This statement comes in response to concerns that South Africa has been ousted from the competition for F1 events following Rwanda’s recent deal with Formula 1.
On October 15, McKenzie emphasized that South Africa has not lost its chance to host a race, despite reports indicating that Rwanda signed a 10-year agreement with F1 and the FIA for a new circuit at Bugesera, set to debut in the early 2030s. “No, Rwanda has not beaten us. We as South Africans are looking still at 2028, 2029,” McKenzie stated in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
The minister also clarified that South Africa’s plans are progressing, as the country is actively engaging with potential sponsors. Clayson Monyela, head of public diplomacy at the South African foreign affairs ministry, echoed this sentiment, noting that South Africa and Rwanda are proceeding on different timelines, and that Rwanda’s developments do not preclude other countries from pursuing F1 events.
Previously, South Africa attempted to revive the Kyalami Grand Prix but failed to meet the financial guarantees required by Formula One Management ahead of the 2023 season. McKenzie voiced concerns about the notion that Africa could only host a single Grand Prix, contrasting it with the multiple races held in regions like the Middle East and Europe. “What type of thinking is that?” he asked.
Support for McKenzie’s perspective came from Alex Wurz, a former F1 driver involved in designing the Rwandan circuit. Wurz suggested that Bugesera could pave the way for additional races on the continent, stating, “We might see one or two more Grand Prix races in Africa.”
However, McKenzie acknowledged that finding a suitable date for a South African race in an already packed F1 calendar would present significant challenges, especially as Rwanda prepares to launch its event.
On a more diplomatic note, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame regarding the F1 deal. In his message posted on X, Ramaphosa reflected on South Africa’s history with the Grand Prix, mentioning that the country hosted the event in 1993. He expressed willingness to provide support if needed, to which Kagame gratefully responded.
