- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie addressed public concerns after Rwanda secured a 10-year deal to host an African Formula 1 Grand Prix
- McKenzie pushed back against the narrative that Rwanda had beaten South Africa, clarifying how the F1 application process works
- South Africans weighed in on the minister's latest comments about the race, sharing varied reactions to his statement
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has insisted that South Africa has not lost its bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, maintaining that the country remains in contention for a race as late as 2029.
McKenzie addressed the matter in Johannesburg on 14 October 2026, responding to widespread public commentary following Rwanda's announcement of a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix.
The country will host the race on the new Bugesera circuit, which is still to be constructed.
McKenzie pushes back on 'Rwanda beat SA' narrative
Speaking about Rwanda's approved bid, the minister was firm in his rebuttal.
"This is not a raffle. I'm going to repeat that. This is not a raffle. Rwanda applied years before I even thought I would be a Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. Rwanda has done the work."
McKenzie explained that applying for a place on the F1 calendar does not place countries in direct competition with one another, and that South Africa's timeline is separate from Rwanda's.
"We as South Africans are still looking at 2028-2029," he said.
Minister's earlier pledge resurfaces
F1's announcement that Rwanda would host a race in Africa reignited attention on a commitment McKenzie made in July 2024, when he posted on X that securing an F1 race would define his ministerial term.
"I have set up meetings with relevant people already. My term will be a failure if I don't bring one of the biggest sporting tourist events to South Africa, which is F1," he wrote at the time.
South Africans were quick to recall that pledge once Rwanda's deal became public. There were even talks to host a race in 2026 after the conflict in the Middle East affected the current calendar, but that did not materialise.
How did South Africans react now?
Social media reaction was largely sceptical, as many felt that the minister needed to accept the fact that Rwanda beat South Africa.
Tsepo Gumbi wrote:
"Imagine if we got it, iyho, we wouldn't hear the end of it. Rwanda saved us from the noise."
Conrad Kleingeld added:
"It might not be a raffle, but Rwanda got the F1 for 10 years while South Africa was sleeping. They don't even have a racetrack and still have to build one, yet they got it. Well done to them. If you snooze, you lose."
@KudaDunBetter linked the minister's credibility on F1 to another unfulfilled promise, writing:
"Same credibility as his commitment to running."
Khubheka Mono stated:
"Chief, we're still waiting for VAR."
Moses Mosoeu was blunt:
"We lost it. He just has to accept it. Mind you, Rwanda has yet to build the racetrack. It's a boost for their economy."
McKenzie raised concerns about Rwanda's and South Africa's Formula 1 plans
Briefly News previously reported that South Africa and Rwanda were said to be battling for Formula 1 Grand Prix hosting rights.
Both countries are fighting to bring the high-octane sport back to Africa, a dream of Hamilton and McKenzie.
South Africa's Minister of Sport suggested that Africa was being treated unfairly over the hosting rights of the event.
Source: Briefly News
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