The promise of a day packed with high-octane competition, world-class talent, and fan engagement comes to the fore as the internationally acclaimed Nine Hours of Kyalami returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit on November 29.
Part of the Southern African Endurance Series (SAES), the event continues to cement South Africa’s reputation on the global GT racing stage.
This year’s race follows a successful season, which included the Five Hours of Zwartkops in October, showcasing the very best of African endurance racing and setting the stage for the climactic Nine Hours of Kyalami.
Read more: Midrand racer takes King of the Mountain crown at Speed Classic Cape Town
SAES acting CEO Liyema Letlaka is leading the charge in making motorsport more inclusive and accessible.
Passionate about empowering people of colour and inspiring the next generation of drivers, engineers, and fans, Letlaka emphasises the transformative potential of the sport.
“Motorsport has long been seen as an exclusive space, but through SAES we are changing that narrative. We want to ensure that motorsport reflects the diversity, talent, and innovation of South Africa.”
A major part of this effort is the Africa Race Together Foundation, which gives disadvantaged science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) students a hands-on introduction to the world behind the racetrack.
Students are not just spectators; they step into paddocks and pit lanes to witness the science, technology, engineering, and teamwork that power every aspect of racing.
“The programme connects classroom learning with real-world applications in telemetry, aerodynamics, fuel strategy, and data analysis,” Letlaka explained. “It’s an exciting, practical way to show that motorsport is more than fast cars; it’s a living Stem classroom,”
By meeting engineers, mechanics, and data analysts, students experience firsthand how Stem skills drive both the sport and innovation across industries.
Also read: Soweto’s own Bouga Luv named face of 2025 people’s race
“The idea for the programme grew from our passion for both motorsport and education. When we looked behind the scenes at the SAES, we realised just how many careers are powered by Stem – from data engineers and mechanics to designers, strategists, and analysts.
Yet many young South Africans, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, never get to see these opportunities up close.”
This year, the SAES experience is more family-friendly than ever, combining thrilling racing action with paddock tours and interactive activities for young people. The series aims to inspire future engineers, drivers, and innovators while giving fans a closer look at the strategies, skills, and teamwork behind endurance racing.
Cindy Van Der Laan, SAES general manager, said: “The Nine Hours of Kyalami represents endurance racing at its finest. It’s a celebration of speed, strategy, and the human spirit, a testament to what South African motorsport can deliver.
Pushing the limits of man and machine.”
Tickets are available at Computicket: https://tinyurl.com/6y27rydb
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
