Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has promised that taxpayers’ money will not be used to fund Formula 1 (F1), an extravagant international single-car-seat racing event.
McKenzie said this in parliament on Tuesday while his department was presenting its annual performance plan (APP). He also stated that the F1 will cost about R1-billion. All the F1 funding was expected to come from the private sector, he added.
The department reported that its budget for 2025/2026 was R6.31-billion. This will decrease to R6.23-billion in 2026/2027 but rise again to R6.52-billion in 2027/2028. A significant portion of this budget is allocated to provinces and municipalities.
Parly committee rejects APP
However, members of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture rejected the APP. It cited a lack of transparency and insufficient information.
ANC MP Matsholo Mmolotsane raised concerns about the F1 funding, noting that it does not appear in the budget.
“I didn’t see F1 in the budget, yet it’s already in the news. We need clarity: who is paying this F1 committee? What are their terms of reference? And was any feasibility study conducted to assess if the country needs F1?” she asked.
She also questioned the R80-million allocation for VAR (Video Assistant Referee technology).
“Where is this money coming from? It’s not in the current budget or the previous one. Is VAR even a priority? Why are we financing Safa when they have failed to manage their own finances?”
Provinces transfer questioned
Another ANC MP, David Kgabo, slammed the large transfers to provinces.
“We don’t know why so much money is going to provinces or what it’s being used for. We need these provincial beneficiaries and entities funded by DSAC to come and account. There’s also no update on the many ongoing forensic investigations.”
Kgabo further accused McKenzie of destabilising the department for political purposes.
“Boards are being disbanded without explanation. It appears to be part of a political agenda to bring in new players and disrupt operations.”
In response, McKenzie clarified that F1 will be funded solely by the private sector.
“F1 will cost R1-billion. And it would be irresponsible for government to fund it when we have greater priorities.
“This is a private sector application, as is done in other countries. F1 is a business venture, and I would never ask the government for money for it. None of the F1 committee members are paid. They are all successful individuals in their own right,” he said.
Stands firm on VAR
On VAR, McKenzie confirmed that funding has been allocated.
“We are ready to implement VAR. We are not financing Safa, but we are supporting football in this country. This is about the safety of fans. VAR will reduce dubious penalties that cause fans to riot and damage stadiums.
“It will also curb referee corruption, improve player discipline, and enhance stadium connectivity. Other countries have VAR, why shouldn’t we?”
