Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie provided a detailed report regarding the awarding of rights to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Rwanda, scheduled for the early 2030s. He stated that South Africa is pleased with Rwanda's success but clarified that South Africa will continue to apply to host the race in 2028 or 2029.
Rwanda signed a ten-year agreement to host the largest motorsport event, with the first race slated for between 2030 and 2032. This agreement marks an important moment in F1 history as the sport returns to Africa for the first time since 1993.
Despite public joy for the continent, many criticized South Africa after McKenzie previously expressed confidence that South Africa would be the first African country since 1993 to host F1.
Previously, McKenzie stated that they plan to upgrade the Kyalami circuit to world-class standards capable of hosting top drivers, including seven-time World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and over a hundred Grand Prix victories.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by his office together with Safa at the Freedom Park museum in Pretoria on Wednesday, McKenzie commented on the situation. He noted: 'I want to congratulate Rwanda on securing a spot in the F1 calendar starting in 2030. We in South Africa are very happy that Rwanda was awarded the spot.'
McKenzie expressed satisfaction not only with Rwanda but also with his colleague Nelly Mukazayire, who secured his country's victory in the bidding competition. He firmly refuted claims of South Africa's defeat, emphasizing that Rwanda submitted its application long before he took office.
He stated: 'She is a very good friend, and I would like to congratulate her. I have seen many comments saying that South Africa lost. South Africa did not lose.'
The Minister added that this is not a competition. 'Rwanda applied years before I even considered becoming the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. Rwanda did all the work. When I was appointed, I followed what F1 wanted. Applying for a spot on the F1 calendar is not a competition, so Rwanda did not beat us.'
McKenzie has not abandoned plans to host F1. He announced that South Africa remains focused on 2028 or 2029, maintaining interest after attracting major corporate sponsors such as MTN, Discovery, Betway, Canal+, and a major bank.
McKenzie explained that continuing their applications is not intended to overshadow Rwanda's achievements but rather to add more dates to the calendar for the African region. He mentioned that other regions have several races: the Middle East hosts four, the USA hosts three, Europe hosts nine, and Italy hosts two.
In conclusion, he reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Abu Dhabi during the F1 race in December to strengthen South Africa's position in this race, adding that the country's success in hosting LIV Golf should boost its chances.
