The fast and the frivolous

SA's sport minister is speeding towards Formula One glory — never mind the potholes, power grid or the fiscal cliff

- Edwin Naidu

Apart from convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, who faked his death in a bid to escape prison, no jailbird in South Africa has shown more chutzpah than Gayton McKenzie, the flamboyant minister of sport, arts and culture.

Since taking on the role in South Africa's much-heralded government of national unity on 3 July last year, Patriotic Front leader McKenzie has made several audacious promises that have left many scratching their heads.

The one-time gangster and con-victed bank robber has boldly pledged to elevate spinning as a sport for car enthusiasts. Spinning involves driving cars in circles at speed and performing stunts in and out of the vehicle. It began in Soweto in the late Eighties and was often performed as a funeral ritual.

"I will make spinning one of the biggest sports in this country. Spinning and stance [customising] are not crimes. Spinning is going to enter its rightful place.

"To all the spinners, I am here, and I'll make sure you get recognised," McKenzie proclaimed.

Youngsters from Phoenix to Polokwane can start dreaming of getting national colours for spinning, if McKenzie spins his way.

Not content with his spinning vision, the fast-talking minister dreams of putting the country's name into the hat in a bid to host Formula One races here.

If Africa joins the crowded F1 calendar, it could happen by 2027, when Sir Lewis Hamilton is in the final year of his lucrative new Ferrari contract. While this could ensure a fairy-tale race that brings down the curtain on the seven-time champion's career in South Africa, let's be real - it's a pipe dream.

(That's also assuming Ferrari retains the under-performing multiple champion, who has more fashion sense than driving vooma these days.)