PRETORIA — South Africa is projected to generate nearly R1 billion in economic activity through the hosting of the LIV Golf international series later this month, according to Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, McKenzie confirmed that 54 of the world’s leading golfers, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Louis Oosthuizen, will compete at Steyn City in Johannesburg from 19 to 22 March. The event is expected to drive significant revenue through tourism, hospitality, local spending, and taxation.
The Minister revealed that discussions are already underway with Steyn City to secure the tournament for several more years. Future editions of the event are projected to accommodate up to 95,000 spectators, which would make the South African leg the largest event on the global LIV Golf calendar.
Beyond golf, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has initiated a three-year rollout for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football. The department has transferred an initial R20 million tranche to the South African Football Association (SAFA) to begin the implementation. While initial estimates placed the total cost at R80 million, McKenzie stated the final cost is expected to be significantly lower following international benchmarking in Spain and the United Kingdom.
On the motorsport front, the Minister announced that the government has secured the necessary financial guarantee required to bring Formula One back to South Africa. While commercial negotiations with Formula One management continue, McKenzie credited private sector partners including Discovery, MTN, and SuperSport for supporting the bid.
The influx of international sporting events is viewed as a critical pillar for economic recovery and global branding. By positioning the country as a hub for elite sports like Formula One and LIV Golf, the government aims to showcase South Africa’s capacity for high-security, large-scale international logistics while stimulating the local service economy.
In addition to sporting investments, the department is prioritizing heritage tourism with infrastructure upgrades at Robben Island. Marking its 30th year as a national heritage institution, the site remains one of the most visited museums on the continent. The upgrades are intended to enhance visitor experience and preserve the site’s status as a premier global landmark.
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