In the heart of the Free State lies Phakisa Raceway, once a jewel of South Africa’s motorsport crown.
Built in 1999 at a cost of R93 million under Premier Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, this premier venue featured a 4,24 km international circuit with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) or International Motorcycling Federation grading, positioning Welkom on the global motorsports map. The track roared with the thunder of engines, attracting tourists and sports enthusiasts from around the world.
From 1999 to 2004, Phakisa hosted the prestigious MotoGP World Championship, drawing some of the biggest names in racing. Valentino Rossi, the MotoGP legend and 2004 South African MotoGP champion; Max Biaggi, the fierce Italian motorcycle ace; Gary McCoy, the Australian racer who clinched the 2000 MotoGP at Phakisa; Tohru Ukawa, the Japanese star who triumphed in 2002; Geoff Bodine, the former NASCAR driver who competed in the 2010 Free State 500; and John Mickel, the British stock car driver and first Free State 500 champion, all graced the track.
According to a former executive who wished to remain anonymous, each international event generated approximately R160 million for the local economy, with hotels and guest houses fully booked months in advance.
Phakisa was more than just a motorsports haven; it was an economic lifeline for Welkom, creating over 2 500 temporary jobs per event.
However, Phakisa has now become a white elephant, demanding extensive maintenance, including a R5 million track resurfacing project. The decline began when MotoGP withdrew after 2004, citing a lack of sustained government support. Failures by the Free State government, including neglecting to apply for an extension of critical support, led to the loss of both revenue and job opportunities.
Without these events to anchor the facility, revenue streams dwindled, leaving the venue in disrepair.
The recent hailstorm that swept through Welkom added to the woes, escalating restoration costs, which experts now estimate could exceed R100 million. Consequently, Motorsport South Africa (MSA) has withdrawn the circuit’s official recognition, excluding Phakisa from future events.
Despite two failed bids from private investors to take over the facility, efforts to restore the track persist. According to Tshidiso Tladi, spokesperson for the Matjhabeng Municipality, the municipality recognises Phakisa’s potential.
“A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between Matjhabeng and the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Destea) to explore possible solutions for the facility’s revival,” Tladi disclosed.
Residents and business owners, comparing Phakisa’s fate to the now derelict Welkom Showgrounds, fear a similar outcome. “We’ve heard promises, but we need real action,” one resident emphasized.
“Phakisa isn’t just a racetrack – it’s a symbol of Welkom’s lost pride. We need something to believe in again,” added Kabelo Motsumi, a local branding business owner.
Reviving Phakisa will be a monumental task, but the rewards far outweigh the costs. Experts propose several strategies: establishing motorsport academies to train the next generation of drivers and riders, hosting multi-purpose events like marathons and cycling to diversify revenue streams, fostering public-private partnerships to attract investment, and engaging the community in initiatives that foster pride and provide employment.
Phakisa could once again become a hub for motorsport tourism and an economic engine. The challenge lies in mobilising the political will and investment needed to turn this into reality.
– Wesley Manako, community reporter
