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The country fancies its chances because US conglomerate, Liberty Media, which bought the Formula One Group in 2017, wants the sport wants to go to every continent

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Sizwe sama Yende

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South Africa is definitely bidding to host the Formula One Grand Prix in 2027 – which will be the first to be hosted in Africa in 32 years.

Cabinet approved the request during it meeting on Thursday.

“The bid is fully financially supported by reputable South African private sector and if successful will contribute to job creation and economic development,” reads a cabinet statement.

“The mere granting of an opportunity for South Africa to bid for the prestigious Formula One Grand Prix is an affirmation of South Africa as an important world actor and confidence in the country.”

If the bid is successful, Kyalami in Johannesburg will be the site where  engines will roar on the tarmac with a host of international drivers behind the wheel. Kyalami will be the host from 2027 until 2029.

The last Grand Prix on African soil was held in 1993, a year before South Africa’s first democratic elections that ended apartheid. It was won by Frenchman Alain Prost.

Africa’s only Grand Prix champion is a South African, Jody Scheckter who won it in 1979 driving a Ferrari.

South Africa’s bid can count on the support of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has long advocated for an African Grand Prix.

Also, US conglomerate Liberty Media, which bought the Formula One Group in 2017, wants the sport wants to go to every continent.

According to the cabinet statement, the bid was fully financially supported by reputable South African private sector.

A bid steering committee appointed by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, concluded the process of selecting a potential promoter in July.

Owner of the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit Toby Venter indicated in June that plans to upgrade the track to Formula One standards had been approved by the controlling body, International Automobile Federation. Kyalami last hosted the F1 race in 1993.

CRICKET WORLD CUP

 Cabinet announced that it had received an update on the decision of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to grant South Africa the rights to host the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

“This is another confirmation of South Africa’s international standing as both a host country and home of sports and entertainment,” the cabinet said.

“South Africa has an impeccable history of hosting successful world sporting events – and hosted the first soccer world cup on an African soil in 2010 and the Cricket World Cup in 2001. These world sporting events were catalytic to the massive infrastructure development projects in the country.  Similarly, the preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will contribute to economic development of the country through infrastructure upgrades and tourism growth.”