Exclusive: Has Gayton McKenzie Delivered? VAR Delays and F1 Dreams Raise Questions

Since taking office in July 2024, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie has been bold and often controversial. 

From promises of introducing VAR in domestic football to ambitions of bringing Formula 1 back to South African soil, his tenure has been defined by big declarations, and mounting public scrutiny.

“Our sport is flourishing in our country,” McKenzie recently said, echoing sentiments expressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address.

“I think I’m doing very well… I have not had people complain about sports in this country.”

Yet, as the domestic sporting calendar unfolds, many are asking: has he delivered?

VAR in the PSL — Promise Deferred?

One of McKenzie’s most anticipated pledges was the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in South Africa’s top-flight football league, the Premier Soccer League.

The move was widely welcomed. VAR, used in major leagues across Europe and international tournaments, is designed to reduce officiating errors and improve fairness in the game. 

However, after an initial rollout plan stalled last season, the system has yet to materialise, despite the current campaign already being well underway.

McKenzie has defended the delay: “VAR is not like a loaf of bread, where you give money and get it. We are on track… We have appointed a company that will be implementing the VAR. We sent a team to Spain, referees and officials, to go and learn.”

He further stated that funds would be transferred to South African Football Association (SAFA) to facilitate implementation. 

"This week, we will be transferring the rest of the money for SAFA to get VAR. we are fully on track." 

However, he also conceded that introducing VAR mid-season would be impractical: “There is no league in the world which brings VAR in the middle of the season.”

Formula 1? 

With that admission, expectations have shifted toward a possible rollout.

If VAR is a domestic promise, Formula 1 is McKenzie’s global ambition.

South Africa has not hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since 1993 at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. McKenzie has made no secret of his desire to see the sport return — and has tied his ministerial legacy to its success.

“I must be judged on the Formula 1 success,” he said.

“We looked at bringing it in 2027, but we moved it back to 2028. We must not rush this thing.”

The revised 2028 target reflects the complexity of hosting a modern Formula 1 event, from infrastructure upgrades to commercial agreements and government guarantees.

McKenzie insists progress is being made and that securing a government guarantee is a significant milestone.

“My promise was before my term [as Sports Minister] ends. My term is still very far from ending.”

For supporters, the ambition is commendable. For critics, the shifting timelines raise questions about feasibility.

Diversions or Achievements?

Beyond VAR and Formula 1, McKenzie points to several developments he believes demonstrate progress.

He claims credit for securing a regional office presence for FIFA in South Africa and for attracting LIV Golf to the continent. He has also highlighted high-profile entertainment events, referencing international artists such as Chris Brown and UB40 performing locally.

"Artists are coming here from Chris Brown, UB40... who is promoting all of this? Me."

"FIFA is hosting it's regional office in South Africa...who made this possible, me. Who signed with the President of FIFA, me!"

"LIV golf has never been to Africa, now it's coming. Who made this possible, me!"

Additionally, he noted improved administrative stability around the national football team, Bafana Bafana, particularly regarding player bonuses during recent international trips.

“For the first time you didn’t hear about fights with Bafana Bafana regarding bonuses… for the first time.”

Critics argue these points, while positive, divert attention from the major structural promises that remain incomplete.

So, Has He Delivered?

The answer depends largely on perspective.

On ambition: Undeniably bold.

On visibility: Highly active and vocal.

On delivery: Still a work in progress.

The VAR system is delayed. Formula 1 has been postponed. 

Yet McKenzie maintains that groundwork is being laid and that success should be measured at the end of his term, not in its early chapters.

For now, South African sport continues to thrive on the field, with athletes and teams producing results. Whether that success is due to ministerial influence or independent sporting excellence remains open for debate.

What is certain is this: Gayton McKenzie has set the bar high for himself. And with his budget speech looming, the sporting public will be listening closely, not just for promises, but for proof.

"Watch my 'Budget Speech' is coming," he concluded.