Durban has been named South Africa’s preferred candidate city in a bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bringing the country one step closer to a potential first for the African continent.
Olympic rings sculpture set against a clear blue sky / Pexels / Hert Niks / Illustrative purposes only
Announced by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) on 29 October, the proposal follows Cabinet approval and places Durban ahead of Cape Town and Johannesburg, which had also expressed interest.
The city is expected to anchor a multi-city bid, with organisers looking to use existing sporting facilities rather than build everything from scratch. If successful, South Africa would become the first African country to host the Olympic Games.
For Durban, the opportunity could bring international attention, tourism and investment, while giving local athletes and sports fans the chance to experience the Games on home soil.
However, the road ahead is far from straightforward. South Africa must still present it’s vision to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission, with feasibility assessments expected to continue into 2027 and a host decision anticipated in 2029.
There is also a cautionary tale closer to home. Durban was awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games but lost the hosting rights in 2017 after failing to meet key requirements and deadlines.
For now, Durban’s selection marks the beginning of the process, not a guarantee that the Games will come to South Africa. If the bid succeeds, it would be a landmark moment for the country and a historic opportunity for African sport.
Source (Daily Maverick)
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