F1, UFC and LIV Golf: Gayton McKenzie Sets Out Bold Vision for South African Sport

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has once again made bold promises regarding the future of sport in the country after tabling his departmental budget before Parliament.

While reactions to the budget speech were mixed, one thing was clear, McKenzie wants to position South Africa as a major destination for international sporting events while also improving support for local athletes who have long struggled financially.

Funding Struggles for Smaller Federations

One of the strongest talking points from the minister was the lack of funding for smaller sporting codes. 

For years, athletes in lesser-funded sports have had to rely on community fundraising and personal sacrifices just to represent the country internationally.

“When I was at the Olympics, I was made aware that hockey had to sell wors rolls [to cover costs] to be there and that hurt my soul. I’m going to do the best I can to make sure that that doesn’t happen.”

“If there are athletes that represent South Africa, I’m going make sure they are funded. I’m calling on all sponsors, I’m calling on myself as government that we cannot allow that [SA athletes are not funded].”

“I want to make this thing of the past, but I must also caution that it’s not going to happen overnight.”

LIV Golf Future Still Alive

Questions have recently surfaced around the future of LIV Golf after reports suggested Saudi Arabian investment backing out of the tournament. 

Despite the uncertainty, McKenzie insists South Africans should not panic about the future of LIV Golf in the country.

“This always happens with people that start to fund any events at the beginning. Sooner or later, they either pull out to recoup their money, or they walk away from investment.”

“I’ve spoken to Mr. [Scott] O’Neill [LIV Golf CEO], twice and I’ve spoken to the Chief Operating Officer [Lawrence Burian] I think, six times.”

“There is nothing to fear… there will be LIV Golf. They are working around the clock with the players. They’ve assured us and I’ve got no reason to not believe them, we just waiting for an announcement how the new LIV Golf will look.”

Formula 1 Return Gains Momentum

Another major ambition remains the return of Formula 1 to South Africa for the first time since 1993. 

While previous projections targeted 2027, recent discussions suggest 2028 is now a more realistic timeline due to the financial and infrastructure demands involved.

McKenzie confirmed that Cyril Ramaphosa has now become directly involved in discussions, highlighting government’s commitment to bringing Formula 1 back to the country.

“As far as F1 is concerned, the ball is no longer in F1’s court, it’s in our court. F1 is bent over severely to accommodate South Africa. But obviously there are certain things we need to do.”

“The president [Ramaphosa] himself is going to the F1 in Italy. That shows you the seriousness from the minister to the highest level of government.”

Hosting Formula 1 would require billions of rand in investment and a circuit capable of meeting FIA standards, but government believes the long-term tourism and economic benefits could justify the cost.

UFC Return Could Be Back on the Table

Momentum may also be building toward the return of the UFC to South Africa following renewed discussions around a potential rematch involving South African UFC champion Dricus du Plessis.

Following Sean Strickland’s surprise victory over Khamzat Chimaev, speculation has increased around a possible title fight against du Plessis.

“Bringing international events is truly number one on my agenda as the Minister. UFC was one of the first I attempted to bring in [as Minister], but after making our sums, we realized we cannot afford it. It was totally unaffordable for our country, for the government, even with some sponsorship.”

“I have subsequently learned that the UFC was in talks with Apple, which will make it much cheaper to get a license to host it.”

“I saw Strickland had won [against Chimaev]. That for me was something. Because nobody expected him to win. This will open the door for du Plessis to reclaim his crown.”

“We will make contact again with them [UFC] so that we can bring the biggest fight here," he concluded.