Question NW2596 to the MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE
15 September 2022 - NW2596
Joseph, Mr D to ask the MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE
(1) Whether the Government is in support of possible return of Formula 1 Grand Prix to the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether his department has conducted any research and/or work with relevant departments and the private sector to measure the interest and identify the economic impact especially market branding for the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) how long is it anticipated to take to upgrade the Kyalami circuit to Formula 1 status; (4) whether he has found that any financial guarantees would be needed from the Government to make the event possible; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- Yes, Government is in support of possible return of Formula 1 to South Africa.
- The Department has not conducted any research and/or work with any Departments nor the private sector to measure the interest and identify the economic impact especially market branding for the Republic. The Department is the custodian of the Bidding and Hosting of International Sport and Recreational Events Regulations. The Regulations sets out the minimum requirement and procedures to be met and followed by any individual and or organization intending to Bid to Host an international event. It is therefore incumbent upon a Federation, in this case Motor Sport South Africa and its partners to ensure that necessary research, economic impact assessment and financial / cost implications are done in preparation for submission of their application to bid
- The Kyalami circuit is privately owned and as such the Department does not have access to information on how long is it anticipated it would take to upgrade the Kyalami circuit to Formula 1 status.
- The Department is not aware whether any financial guarantees would be needed from Government. This is because the Department has not received any application Bid for Formula 1 as prescribed by the Bidding and Hosting of International Sport and Recreational Events Regulations.