South Africa Continues Fight to Bring Formula One Back to Mzansi
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
McKenzie Congratulates Rwanda But Insists SA’s F1 Bid Is Still Alive
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has congratulated Rwanda on its successful bid to join the Formula One (F1) calendar in 2030, while maintaining that South Africa’s own efforts to secure a Grand Prix remain on course.
McKenzie responded to increasing public speculation that South Africa had lost the race to bring F1 back to Africa, arguing that Rwanda’s success should be viewed as a win for the entire continent. Speaking to the media over the past weekend, McKenzie said:
“I want to congratulate Rwanda for being awarded a spot on the F1 calendar in 2030. We are very happy that they’ve been awarded. Rwanda has not beaten us. We as South Africans are still looking at 2028, 2029.”
The Minister confirmed that South Africa is in regular contact with F1 representatives, while rejecting the idea that Africa should only host a single F1 race, pointing out that the United States currently has three races, the Middle East has four, and Europe has nine.
McKenzie added that the government had given the green light for the bid, with the next major step being the confirmation of sponsors. So far, MTN, Betway, Discovery, and Canal+ have indicated their interest, with a major bank expected to come on board in the near future.
F1 Set for Return to Africa With Rwanda Grand Prix in 2030
Formula 1 is set to return to Africa, with Rwanda scheduled to host the continent's Grand Prix in the early 2030s. According to a statement released by F1 last week, the East African country has secured a 10-year hosting agreement.
“Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly.”
Rwanda’s Grand Prix will take place at a new 6km (3.7-mile) circuit in Bugesera, which Formula 1 expects to be completed in the next few years. The race will mark the return of an official Grand Prix to the continent for the first time in almost four decades.
Over the past 10 years, Rwanda has invested heavily in international sports partnerships, including prominent sponsorship agreements with Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain, as part of its strategy to position itself as a luxury tourism and business destination.
