- Robert Marawa criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying he should prioritise South Africans after Rwanda secured Formula 1 hosting rights
- Ramaphosa said South Africa could not win everything and urged South Africans to celebrate Rwanda’s achievement as an African victory
- X users were divided, with some slamming Marawa for his stance while others agreed that the president should focus on South African interests
Sports broadcaster Robert Marawa has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa over his response to Rwanda securing a Formula 1 Grand Prix, arguing that the president should focus on South Africans and their interests.
Source: UGC
Marawa reacted after Ramaphosa acknowledged South Africans’ disappointment at losing out on the hosting opportunity but urged the country to celebrate Rwanda’s achievement as a victory for Africa.
Formula 1 confirmed on 13 October 2026 that Rwanda had secured a 10-year hosting agreement for the African Grand Prix, which is expected to begin in the early 2030s once a new circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali, is completed.
What did Robert Marawa say about Ramaphosa?
Marawa responded to a post by SABC News journalist Sophie Mokoena reporting that Ramaphosa supported Rwanda as the host country for the upcoming Formula 1 event.
The broadcaster took issue with the president’s position, suggesting that he should prioritise the interests of South Africans.
“This chap just needs to support South Africans!! He must wake up one day and realize that he's the President....right now he could just be anything unfortunately,” Marawa wrote on X.
His remarks came after Ramaphosa explained why South Africans should support Rwanda despite the disappointment surrounding the country's unsuccessful bid.
What did Cyril Ramaphosa say about Rwanda hosting F1?
In his remarks, Ramaphosa acknowledged that some South Africans were disappointed that the country had not secured the Formula 1 hosting agreement.
“Many South Africans feel sad and disappointed that we didn't win the Formula 1 hosting. South Africa can't win everything,” the president said.
He urged South Africans to accept the outcome and support other African countries when they achieve similar milestones.
Take a look at the post below on X.
Marawa’s comments attracted criticism from some users, who argued that his position overlooked the importance of African countries supporting one another.
Justice Mlati told the broadcaster to stick to sports presenting, arguing that Rwanda’s success should be celebrated as an African achievement.
“South Africa did not receive approval to host Formula 1, Rwanda did. When South Africa was awarded the FIFA World Cup, we understood it as a victory for all African states. Rwanda’s achievement is likewise an African achievement, and we should support Rwanda wholeheartedly,” Mlati wrote.
He questioned what Marawa expected Ramaphosa to do, asking whether the president should “lash out and perform anger”.
Mlati added that African unity meant celebrating when another part of the continent succeeded, urging Marawa to debate the issue with maturity.
Another user, Mr T, took a different view of the president’s leadership, writing:
“The sad thing about this man is that he's pleasing everyone except his own children.”
Meanwhile, another user, posting under the handle Him 🇿🇦, supported Marawa’s position, arguing that the president should prioritise South African interests.
“I don't think he's aware that a South African president is supposed to look after South African people's interests,” the user wrote.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has also maintained that Rwanda’s success does not mean South Africa’s bid is over.
Robert Marawa's Rwanda F1 prediction resurfaces
Briefly News previously reported that South African sports broadcaster Robert Marawa said his attendance at the FIA Awards in Kigali in December 2024 gave him an early indication of Rwanda's F1 ambitions
Formula 1 confirmed on 13 October 2026 that Rwanda secured a 10-year agreement to bring the sport back to Africa in the early 2030s
Source: Briefly News