RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie regarding the formation of South Africa’s bid steering committee (BSC).
The committee will manage the process of bidding to host Formula 1.
With many DA-members passionate Formula 1 fans, the party recognises the excitement and opportunities such an event could bring to our country.
South Africa has a proud history of hosting F1 events, which continued until the early 1990s before the Kyalami circuit ceased hosting races. Bringing this iconic sport back to African soil would be a significant achievement, but it cannot simply be viewed as a project benefiting a select few.
The DA will keep a close eye on the tender and bidding processes and ensure that it’s open, transparent, and accessible to all interested parties. Detailed bidding documents must be made publicly available, and the government must play an active role in ensuring that this event delivers benefits beyond just Formula 1 itself.
The DA calls on the bidding committee to consider all suitable racetracks and bidders from all provinces and they will also request that the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, and Culture invites the Minister to provide Parliament with a detailed briefing on the negotiations and discussions related to hosting this major event. Such oversight is a standard protocol to ensure that public funds and interests are safeguarded.
This is not just about hosting a race; it’s about tourism, job creation, economic growth, infrastructure development, transport, funding, sponsorships, and broader social and economic benefits.
The DA will demand a thorough impact assessment of the event, focusing on its long-term legacy and financial benefits. "For us, it is about creating sustainable jobs and driving inclusive economic growth. An event of this magnitude requires careful planning, extensive stakeholder engagement, and coordinated efforts to ensure that it delivers tangible benefits to all South Africans."
