Durban has emerged as the preferred host city in South Africa's bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games. The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (Sascoc) announced the decision at its headquarters in Johannesburg. Acting president Lwandile Simelane revealed Durban as the chosen city, beating Johannesburg and Cape Town. This development marks a significant step in South Africa's bid to host the Olympics.
Durban previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but was stripped of hosting rights for the 2022 Commonwealth Games due to financial constraints and missed deadlines. Despite this, the city has been selected as the preferred host for the Olympic Games. Sascoc's decision was informed by an independent evaluation panel, which assessed the cities against IOC guidelines. The panel met with the cities, received presentations, and visited potential venues.
South Africa joins several countries, including India, Qatar, Germany, Hungary, Türkiye, and South Korea, in expressing interest to host the 2036 Olympics. The UK and Egypt are among nations interested in hosting the 2040 Games. Sascoc CEO Nozipho Jafta stated that the organization has followed IOC timelines and guidelines in advancing its engagement through continuous dialogue.
The next steps for South Africa's bid include continuous dialogue with the IOC and a digital presentation to be made by interested parties in November. Sascoc will work with relevant stakeholders to develop the project, including a workable venue plan, funding strategy, and accounting of benefits for communities. The IOC has confirmed that no additional interested parties will be considered for the 2036 Olympics after October 31.
Sascoc's decision to pursue the Olympic bid was formally supported by the South African cabinet, under the leadership of Minister Gayton McKenzie. The organization has partnered with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to explore the country's hosting ambitions. Strategic engagements with affected cities will begin if South Africa progresses to the targeted dialogue phases.
According to Simelane, the announcement of Durban as the preferred city does not confirm its formal status as the host. Instead, it marks the beginning of engagement and participation in the bid process. The IOC will conduct a feasibility study, and further consultations with the successful city will be conducted once the IOC engages with South Africa.
The selection of Durban as the preferred host city was based on an evaluation of the city's vision and feasibility. Sascoc's CEO, Nozipho Jafta, emphasized that the organization is exploring the possibility of hosting the Summer and Paralympic Games in 2036 or 2040. The next phase of the bid process will involve a presentation to the IOC and further assessments.
Key points
- Durban named preferred host city for South Africa's Olympic bid
- South Africa joins several countries in expressing interest to host 2036 or 2040 Olympics
- IOC to conduct feasibility study before confirming host city
