South Africa has selected Durban as its preferred candidate city in an ambitious bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, raising hopes that Africa could finally stage the world’s biggest sporting event.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) announced the decision on 29 October at Olympic House in Johannesburg, following approval from the national Cabinet. Acting president Lwandile Simelane and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie unveiled the proposal.
Durban emerged as the preferred choice after Johannesburg and Cape Town also expressed interest. While Durban would serve as the main host city, organisers envisage using infrastructure in other parts of the country to accommodate selected events. The proposed bid aims to capitalise on existing sporting facilities, including the 56,000-seat Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Officials have also highlighted sustainability and cost efficiency as key considerations.
However, South Africa’s readiness remains a major question. Durban was stripped of hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games after failing to meet financial and other commitments.
The experience raises concerns about whether the country can meet the enormous financial, infrastructure and organisational demands of an Olympic and Paralympic Games.
South Africa is among seven countries currently in continuous dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over hosting the 2036 Games. The others are Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea and Türkiye.
South Africa’s next step is to present its vision to the IOC’s Future Host Commission in November 2026. Feasibility assessments are expected to follow, with the IOC Executive Board planning to open strategic dialogue with shortlisted candidates in March 2027.
The host for the 2036 Games is expected to be selected in mid-2029. If successful, South Africa would become the first African country to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, beginning on 31 October, will mark another historic milestone as the first Olympic event held on African soil.
For South Africa, the dream is taking shape. Whether the country can turn that ambition into a financially sustainable and credible hosting plan remains the real test. Photo: Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium. (Mahomed Amra)
By Rudi Bowe
