South Africa names Durban

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee has identified Durban as its preferred host city in its bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games.

Cabinet approval secured

Sascoc announced its intention on twenty-nine October at Olympic House in Johannesburg, confirming that the government had backed the bid following Cabinet approval.

Early stages of process

According to Sascoc CEO Nozipho Jafta, the process is still in its infancy with the national sporting body engaging in continuous dialogue with the International Olympic Committee's Future Host Commission.

What the Games could mean

Jafta said the opportunity for athletes to compete at home would carry extraordinary meaning, and for young people watching it could bring the dream of representing South Africa closer.

“For our athletes, the opportunity to compete at home would carry extraordinary meaning.”

Three cities expressed interest

Durban was selected after the province, Johannesburg and Cape Town expressed interest in May. Sascoc's Acting President Lwandile Simelane said the preferred host city needed to be submitted to the IOC by thirty-one October.

Seven countries in the race

Currently, seven countries have expressed interest in hosting the two thousand thirty-six Olympic Games. In November, the interested parties, including South Africa, will present their vision to the IOC.

Timeline to final decision

Feasibility reviews are scheduled to conclude in March two thousand twenty-seven, with a final host selection expected in two thousand twenty-nine.

Durban's existing infrastructure

A central consideration in South Africa's proposal is affordability, with Sascoc aiming to use existing infrastructure. Durban is well placed with Moses Mabhida Stadium, Kings Park Stadium and the ocean in proximity.

Compact venue approach

Durban is envisaged as the location of the Olympic Village and the opening and closing ceremonies.The city has the potential to accommodate at least sixty-five percent of the sports and venues in a compact area.

Durban's Commonwealth Games failure

In two thousand seventeen, Durban lost the right to host the two thousand twenty-two Commonwealth Games. Despite being the only city to submit a bid, it missed key deadlines after being awarded the Games.

Commonwealth Games budget shortfall

The South African government budgeted roughly four billion rand, while Commonwealth Sport required a much higher amount. South Africa lost the hosting rights, with Birmingham stepping in as the replacement host.

Sascoc president suspended

Concerns were raised over Sascoc's readiness to host the Olympic Games following the suspension of its president, Barry Hendricks, in September.This was the second time Hendricks had been suspended while at the helm of Sascoc.

Wider governance failures

Swimming South Africa's president and CEO were provisionally suspended in August two thousand twenty-six. Athletics South Africa's president James Moloi was found guilty of misusing the federation's credit card, and World Athletics ordered a major…