The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has officially named Durban as its preferred host city for the first-ever Olympic and Paralympic Games in Africa. The landmark proposal targets either the 2036 or 2040 Games and has received national government approval and cabinet support. This bid aims to bring the Olympic Games to Africa for the first time in history.
While Durban will act as the core host, housing the main Olympic Village and staging 60% to 70% of the events, including the opening and closing ceremonies, the bid adopts a national, multi-city approach. Key competition codes will also be held in Cape Town and Johannesburg to maximise existing venues and avoid unnecessary infrastructure spending. This approach is expected to provide a compact and seamless experience for athletes and spectators.
SASCOC acting president Lwandile Simelani stated that the bid is a national effort, with all cities ready and accepting to participate when the time comes. He emphasised that the Games will be a national event, but with a focus on Durban as the host city. The Olympic Village and key ceremonies will be held in Durban, while other cities will host various events.
A key pillar of South Africa's exploratory framework is ensuring that accessibility, inclusion, and long-term community value are at the centre of all planning. The project prioritises barrier-free access for both Olympic and Paralympic participants. SASCOC officials confirmed that accessibility is a strict building regulation compliance requirement in evaluating venue integration for the Paralympic Games.
Planning teams are confident that universal accessibility standards have been comprehensively addressed across proposed venue upgrades and public transit links, ensuring an equal and seamless athlete experience. This focus on accessibility is a critical aspect of South Africa's bid, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and community value.
South Africa is part of a competitive field of seven nations exploring bids for the 2036 Games, alongside Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, and Turkey. All seven countries have been invited to present to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the end of November. SASCOC chief executive Nozipho Jafta stated that the presentations will share their regions' stories and explain why they should proceed to the next phase of the process.
Following November's presentations to the IOC's Future Host Commission, feasibility reviews will conclude in March 2027, with the final host selection expected in 2029. If successful, South Africa will make history as the first African nation to host the Olympic movement. The bid's outcome will be a significant milestone for South African sports and a testament to the country's ability to host a major international event.
Key points
- Durban is the preferred host city for South Africa's bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- The bid adopts a national, multi-city approach, with events held in Cape Town and Johannesburg, in addition to Durban.
- South Africa's bid prioritises accessibility, inclusion, and long-term community value, with a focus on barrier-free access for Olympic and Paralympic participants.
