South Africa on Thursday revealed its intention to submit a bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, signaling its ambition to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to African soil for the first time.
Officials confirmed that early talks have already begun with the International Olympic Committee, now chaired by Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry after her appointment in June.
If South Africa secures the bid, it would mark a historic moment, not just for the nation, but for the entire continent.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized that the country would not need major new investments, noting that the existing infrastructure is more than adequate to host an event of this scale.
During his 2024 visit, former IOC president Thomas Bach also praised South Africa’s “stability, infrastructure, and vision” as strong foundations for hosting the Olympics.
The government’s announcement comes as independent groups confirmed they have been studying the viability of a Cape Town-led bid. The city previously attempted to host the 2004 Games but lost to Athens during the 1997 vote.
South Africa has a strong track record with major international tournaments, having successfully hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first ever held in Africa.
