South Africa has officially announced its intention to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sporting history. The government has begun discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is now headed by Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry. If successful, this would be the first time the Olympic Games are held in Africa, a continent that has never hosted the world’s premier sporting event.
According to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s existing infrastructure would require minimal investment to meet the requirements of hosting the Olympics. This assessment is supported by former IOC president Thomas Bach, who, during a visit to the country in 2024, noted that South Africa possesses the necessary stability, infrastructure, and vision to stage a successful Olympics.
The announcement comes as independent groups have been exploring the feasibility of a Cape Town-led bid. Cape Town had previously attempted to secure the rights to host the 2004 Olympics but lost out to Athens in a 1997 vote. However, South Africa has a proven track record of hosting major international sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup in 1995, the Cricket World Cup in 2003, and the Soccer World Cup in 2010, which was the first to be held on African soil.
The decision to bid for the Olympics is a significant step for South Africa, which has been actively promoting its capabilities as a host nation for major international events. With its well-developed infrastructure and experience in hosting large-scale sporting events, the country is well-positioned to make a strong bid. The IOC’s consideration of South Africa’s bid will be closely watched, as it has the potential to bring significant economic and social benefits to the country and the continent as a whole.
As the bidding process unfolds, South Africa will need to demonstrate its ability to deliver a successful and sustainable Olympic Games. The country’s bid will be evaluated on various factors, including its infrastructure, financial capabilities, and social and environmental impact. With careful planning and preparation, South Africa has the potential to make history by becoming the first African nation to host the Olympic Games.