The South African government recently announced plans to bid to host either the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games. If successful, South Africa would become the first African nation to host these global events.
Cape Town previously bid for the 2004 Olympic Games, finishing third in the voting behind Athens and Rome. Cape Town is expected to be South Africa’s candidate city for this new bid.
Durban, another coastal city, won the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games but withdrew in 2017 due to financial constraints. In contrast, Cape Town’s popularity as a global tourist destination makes its bid more feasible.
Other cities that plan to bid for the 2036 Olympics include Ahmedabad, India; Doha, Qatar; Istanbul, Turkey; and Santiago, Chile.
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, told the media that the government has already spoken with the International Olympic Committee about hosting the Games. The discussions, led by Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry, are ongoing.
South Africa stands out for successfully hosting major international sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup in 1995, the Soccer World Cup in 2010, and the Cricket World Cup in 2003, demonstrating its capability on the global stage.
South Africa is also set to co-host the 2027 Cricket World Cup with Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Additionally, there are efforts to bring a Formula 1 Grand Prix to South Africa starting in 2027, which would be a first for the African continent.
