Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has taken to social media to address the recent UFC event rumours and an update on Formula 1 in South Africa, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Sanral unveils R3 billion N1 upgrade in major infrastructure drive
Before Dricus Du Plessis‘ successful title defence against Israel Adesanya in Perth last month, UFC president Dana White announced that if the South African champion won, his next title defence would be on home soil.
In addition, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in a conversation with CapeTalk mentioned plans of adding a R30-million temporary roof at the DHL Stadium to facilitate a potential UFC event.
With this in mind, McKenzie posted on X on Wednesday: ‘I see news articles abt @UFC fight of @dricusduplessis happening in Cape Town, we are in final stages of negotiating that the fight happens in South Africa.’
‘We have not been given the green light. We will know by the end of October, no decision of hosting city can be made yet.’
I see news articles abt @UFC fight of @dricusduplessis happening in Cape Town, we are in final stages of negotiating that the fight happens in South Africa. We have not been given the green light. We will know by the end of October, no decision of hosting city can be made yet.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 18, 2024
Formula 1:
McKenzie believes South Africa is closer to hosting a Formula One Grand Prix after meeting F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali on Saturday 14 September, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the Sunday.
In a post on X, McKenzie alludes to the possibility of South Africa hosting a Grand Prix race in the future.
‘Just completed a very important meeting with Stefano Domenicali, Formula One Group CEO. We are one step closer to bringing it to South Africa. I wanna thank Minister of Youth & Sport of Azerbaijan, HE Farid Gayibov for arranging this meeting and hosting me. GNU at work Ntat.’
Just completed a very important meeting with Stefano Domenicali, Formula One Group CEO. We are one step closer to bringing it to South Africa. I wanna thank Minister of Youth & Sport of Azerbaijan, HE Farid Gayibov for arranging this meeting and hosting me. GNU at work Ntate 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/7l7WGJqvU6
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 14, 2024
Furthermore, McKenzie posted on 15 September 2024, where he was seen with the President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
‘I had a extremely good meeting with President Mohammed Ben SULAYEM of @fia, we discussed recognising spinning, support for our F1 bid and more inclusion for underprivileged ppl in different motorsport. I left the meeting highly impressed with President Mohammed Ben SULAYEM.’
I had a extremely good meeting with President Mohammed Ben SULAYEM of @fia, we discussed recognising spinning, support for our F1 bid and more inclusion for underprivileged ppl in different motorsport. I left the meeting highly impressed with President Mohammed Ben SULAYEM. pic.twitter.com/rHaYTeNsGx
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 15, 2024
To underline its status as a world championship, F1 has coveted a race in Africa. A return to the famed Kyalami circuit, which last hosted a GP in 1993, has long been the frontrunner.
Africa remains the only continent that does not stage a race.
According to The Independent, F1 nearly finalised a deal with Kyalami for a 2023 race, but concerns over the event’s long-term sustainability emerged after a change in promoter.
Additionally, South Africa’s refusal to condemn Vladimir Putin’s actions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further complicated negotiations.
McKenzie remains determined to bring the prestigious racing event to a continent and country with a car culture that rivals the best in the world.
Also read:
Eskom shuts down Koeberg’s unit 1 amid transparency criticism
Picture: Gallo
