South Africa has chosen Durban as its preferred city for a potential bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, seeking to make history by bringing the global sporting event to Africa for the first time.

The decision marks a major step in the country’s ambition to host the Olympics, which have never been staged on the African continent.

Durban, a major coastal city, has emerged as South Africa’s preferred choice as the country considers its prospects of securing the hosting rights for either edition of the Games.

The proposed bid would give South Africa an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure and organisational capacity on the global stage while positioning Africa as a destination for major international sporting events.

IOC to select 2036 host in 2029

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to select the host city for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games in mid-2029.

South Africa’s decision to favour Durban represents an early step towards a possible bid, although the country has yet to secure the right to host either edition.

The country is also considering the 2040 Games as a possible target for its Olympic ambition.

If successful, South Africa would become the first African nation to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, creating a historic milestone for the continent’s sporting development.

Africa has never hosted the global multi-sport event, making South Africa’s ambition significant for the region as it seeks greater representation on the international sporting stage.