South Africa’s Bold Bid To Bring The Olympics To Africa For The First Time

South Africa is once again dreaming big on the global sports stage, and this time the ambition is nothing short of historic. Government officials have confirmed the country’s intention to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, positioning South Africa as the nation ready to finally bring the world’s greatest sporting spectacle to African soil.

A New Chapter In SA’s Sporting Story

For many South Africans, the announcement immediately sparks memories of 2010, when the FIFA World Cup transformed the country and showed the world what Africa could deliver. Now, 15 years later, Pretoria believes it’s time to take on something even bigger.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed that South Africa has already opened discussions with the International Olympic Committee. The talks are still exploratory, but the intention is clear: the country wants to compete for the right to host the Games, and it believes it’s ready.

Ntshavheni says South Africa wouldn’t need massive new construction projects or rushed upgrades. According to her, the country’s existing infrastructure, stadiums and sporting facilities put it in a strong position. She even insisted that if the Games were awarded tomorrow, South Africa could host them.

A Continent Still Waiting For Its First Olympics

Despite hosting global tournaments in cricket, rugby and football, Africa has never been home to the Olympic Games. South Africa came close once before, when Cape Town bid for the 2004 Games, ultimately losing to Athens in a tight 1997 vote.

This time, the political winds may be more favourable. The IOC is now led by Zimbabwean sports icon and Olympian Kirsty Coventry, who took office in June 2025. Her leadership adds a layer of hope and symbolism for countries across the continent hoping to break new ground.

A Country Positioning Itself As A Global Sports Destination

The Olympic bid isn’t happening in isolation. South Africa has been making aggressive moves to secure major international events.

There’s the high-profile push to bring Formula One back to the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 2027. The country is also leading preparations for the 2027 Cricket World Cup and continues to host world-class rugby and football tournaments.

Former IOC president Thomas Bach, who visited South Africa in 2024, previously said the country had the stability, infrastructure and vision required to stage an Olympics. It’s a rare endorsement that still carries weight.

What Happens Next

South Africa hasn’t named a potential host city yet, although Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban are expected to emerge as frontrunners. With Munich also preparing a bid and other global cities signalling interest, the race for the 2036 Games is already intensifying.

Still, there is a sense of optimism that wasn’t present during previous attempts. This time, South Africa isn’t trying to prove itself it’s stepping forward as a nation that has already delivered on the world stage, ready for the next challenge.

Whether the IOC agrees remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the dream of Africa’s first Olympic Games has never felt closer.

{Source:EWN}

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