SOUTH AFRICA IDENTIFIES DURBAN FOR POSSIBLE 2036 OR 2040 OLYMPIC BID

By ASVG Media | October 29, 2026

South Africa identified Durban as its preferred candidate city for a potential bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee outlined plans to present the proposal to the International Olympic Committee's Future Host Commission in November, with feasibility work expected to continue into 2027. Government backing gives the initiative political momentum, although no hosting rights have been awarded. 

The bid could stimulate long-term discussions around stadium utilization, transportation, accommodation, infrastructure financing and private investment. However, Durban's previous loss of the 2022 Commonwealth Games hosting rights illustrates the importance of realistic budgets and delivery guarantees. For South Africa, a credible Olympic bid would need to demonstrate how existing facilities could be used sustainably and how the economic benefits would extend beyond the Games themselves.