OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cape Town | Monday 3.30PM.
PRESIDENT Nelson Mandela will meet with the head of Formula One racing Bernie Ecclestone on August 19 to discuss the future of a South African grand prix in view of the government’s proposed crackdown on tobacco sponsorship.
Sports Minister Steve Tshwete said that the meeting is “quite critical”. Tshwete however, emphasised that the ban will be implemented in consultation with sports bodies and sponsors, and that there will be no guillotine.
Tshwete said the government must not endanger the continued existence of elite sport and sport development, while still keeping the health of society a priority.
South Africa is one of 17 venues that have lodged financial guarantees for the existing 16 dates on the Formula One calendar.
Motorsort SA
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