Dr Nik Eberl is the Founder & Executive Chair: The Future of Jobs Summit™ (Official T20 Side Event) .He will be writing a regular column in Business Report.
Image: Supplied
When LIV Golf announced last week that it will bring its global tour to South Africa in 2026,the headlines naturally focused on star power, prestige, and prize money. But beneath the spectacle lies a far more important story: what events like LIV Golf — and potentially Formula 1 at Kyalami — could mean for South Africa’s economy if handled strategically.
We’ve been here before. In 2010, the FIFA World Cup delivered not just goals and trophies,but R93 billion in GDP impact, more than 130 000 jobs, and the highest visitor satisfaction scores in the tournament’s history (a 92% Net Promoter Score). It was a masterclass in how a global event can lift tourism, boost infrastructure, and rebrand a nation.
The challenge now is not whether South Africa can host. We’ve proven we can. The challenge is whether we can turn events like LIV Golf, Formula 1, and other global draws into recurring, compounding growth engines — not just one-off bursts of excitement.
Lesson 1: Treat Events as Economic Platforms, Not Just Entertainment
In 2010, the World Cup’s biggest impact came not from the matches, but from the industries it touched: tourism, construction, media, retail, and national branding. LIV Golf and Formula 1 can offer the same — if we broaden the lens.
Lesson 2: Build Smarter Public-Private Partnerships
In 2010, the state carried most of the cost. Today, fiscal constraints mean we need to be sharper. LIV Golf, with its deep-pocketed investors and brand partnerships, and Formula 1, with its global sponsors, create opportunities for cost-sharing and revenue generation.
Lesson 3: Focus on Skills and Legacy, Not Just the Headlines
The World Cup left two lasting legacies: a trained workforce and upgraded infrastructure. But it also left us with “white elephant” stadiums that struggle for relevance. LIV Golf and Formula 1 must lean into skills transfer and industry development to avoid repeating that mistake.
Lesson 4: Make South Africa the Star, Not Just the Venue
In 2010, the “Ke Nako” campaign showcased the country — its beauty, culture, and business potential — as much as the football. LIV Golf and F1 can serve the same purpose:
Lesson 5: Think Decade, Not Weekend
The World Cup was a one-month high. LIV Golf and a potential F1 Grand Prix can deliver annual, repeatable growth if structured right.
Consider the benchmarks:
The Bottom Line
South Africa doesn’t just need another spectacle. We need events that act as growth engines, attracting visitors, skills, and investment while boosting national pride. LIV Golf’s 2026 tour and the potential Formula 1 return to Kyalami aren’t just sporting headlines —they’re opportunities to turn our proven ability to host into a strategy for long-term prosperity.
The lesson from 2010 is clear: the world will come to South Africa. The question now is —will we turn their visit into a decade of growth, or just another fleeting celebration?
Dr Nik Eberl is the Founder & Executive Chair: The Future of Jobs Summit™ (Official T20 Side Event) and uthor: Nation of Champions: How South Africa won the World Cup of Destination Branding.
*** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL.
BUSINESS REPORT