The Olympics could be coming to Durban

Durban has been selected as the preferred host city for South Africa’s ambitious bid to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Africa for the first time.

The coastal city will spearhead the country’s bid for either the 2036 or 2040 Games, with Moses Mabhida Stadium expected to play a central role if South Africa’s plans are successful.

The announcement was made by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) on Thursday, 29 October, following Cabinet approval of the country’s Olympic bid.

However, the proposed Games would not be confined to just Durban.

Durban could host up to 70% of the OLYMPIC GAMES

SASCOC acting president Lwandile Simelane said around 60% to 70% of the Olympic programme could potentially be staged in Durban.

The city would also host the proposed Olympic Village, with the opening and closing ceremonies held in Durban.

“Durban as the host city will then be the home of the Olympic Village, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies,” Simelane said.

The plan is to use existing infrastructure wherever possible, while limiting the travel required by athletes and spectators.

Moses Mabhida Stadium, which was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, would be at the heart of the proposed Games.

Cape Town and Johannesburg could also host events

Although Durban has been selected as the preferred host city, South Africa’s Olympic bid would be a national effort.

Cape Town and Johannesburg had also put themselves forward as potential host cities, and could host events that cannot be accommodated in Durban.

Certain sports would naturally require different venues or locations.

Surfing and sailing, for example, would require suitable coastal facilities, while other Olympic disciplines could make use of infrastructure already available in Johannesburg or Cape Town.

SASCOC says the aim would nevertheless be to keep the Games compact rather than creating a situation where athletes and spectators have to travel extensively around the country.

“We need to ensure that we do not create a fragmented Games and that it is compact, and that athletes are not expected to be all over the show, as well as spectators, to experience the Games,” Simelane said.

South Africa faces major competition

South Africa is now one of seven countries interested in hosting the 2036 Olympics. According to SASCOC chief executive Nozipho Jafta, the other interested countries are:

Country2036 interest

South Africa

YesGermanyYesHungaryYesIndiaYesQatarYesSouth KoreaYesTurkeyYes

All seven countries have been invited to present their cases to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the end of November.

The presentations will give each prospective host an opportunity to outline its plans and explain why it should progress to the next stage of the process.

Interest is also emerging for the 2040 Games, with Germany, Poland, Egypt and the United Kingdom among countries that have indicated potential interest.

While Durban’s selection represents a major step for South Africa, it does not mean the city has been awarded the Games.

There is still a lengthy bidding and evaluation process ahead before the IOC makes a final decision.

SASCOC has already acknowledged that major questions need to be addressed, including the cost of hosting the Games, the availability of existing sporting facilities and the country’s public transport infrastructure.

The bid has an exploratory value of around R500 billion, although that figure should not be interpreted as a confirmed final cost of hosting the Games.

SASCOC is expected to present South Africa’s case to the IOC’s Future Host Commission in November, with further feasibility work and evaluation to follow.

The final host decision is expected in 2029.