South Africa has announced plans to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in what would be the first time the global event is held on African soil. The announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, after a cabinet briefing on Thursday.
She said the country has already begun talks with the International Olympic Committee, led by Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry, describing the discussions as “preliminary and exploratory.” Although no host city has been confirmed, she noted that South Africa’s existing infrastructure would make it ready to host the Games even on short notice.
The minister added that the country would not require major new investments, citing facilities already in place since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Former IOC president Thomas Bach had earlier said South Africa has the stability and vision to successfully stage the Olympics.
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The move comes as the country steps up efforts to host major sporting events, including a bid for a Formula One Grand Prix in 2027 and co-hosting rights for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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