Could South Africa host the Olympics?

Several years ago, South Africa briefly flirted with the dream of making Durban the first African city to host the Commonwealth Games, before eventually falling out of the race after financial difficulties and missed deadlines derailed their bid for the 2022 showpiece.

With that failure still relatively ‘fresh’ in the memory bank, it is interesting to see that the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has formally declared interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Cape Town’s bid for the 2004 Games – which is still the only Olympic bid that made the final shortlist from Africa – ultimately went the way of Athens, and since then any attempt to revive such an Olympic dream has seemed rather farfetched for South Africa. Perhaps, until now…

South Africa enters Olympic ‘conversation’

Kirsty Coventry, Africa’s most decorated Olympian and the first candidate from the continent to run for IOC President, has openly welcomed South Africa’s interest in hosting the Olympics.

“I’m excited that South Africa has said they’re interested in hosting the Olympic Games. I look forward to seeing those conversations develop,” Coventry said ahead of the IOC presidential election, set to take place from March 18-21.

She highlighted South Africa’s strong track record in hosting major sporting events.

“South Africa has done a great job hosting numerous sporting events over the years. I’m also very proud that Zimbabwe will be co-hosting the men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027 with South Africa and Namibia.”

Coventry also expressed enthusiasm about the growing global interest beyond South Africa in hosting the Olympics.

“It’s exciting to see countries like Egypt, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and others expressing interest in hosting the Games. This shows the continued power of the Olympic Movement to inspire and unite nations through sport,” Coventry said.

Coventry is aiming to become the first woman and African to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC).  Beyond the Games, she is committed to ensuring sport reaches all athletes, regardless of race, gender, or financial situation, and will work closely with International Federations and National Olympic Committees to expand access to resources and opportunities for athletes worldwide.

A seven-time Olympic medalist and a key figure in sports governance, Coventry is among the frontrunners to succeed Thomas Bach as IOC President. If elected, she would become both the first African and first female to hold the position.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SA’S INTEREST IN MAKING A BID?

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