South Africa Gears Up for Potential 2036 Olympic Bid

In a significant development for South African sports, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed strong optimism about the country’s prospects of hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. After a series of strategic meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, it appears the groundwork is being laid for what could be Africa’s first-ever Olympic Games.

The engagement began with discussions with the IOC’s Future Host Cities staff and peaked in a broader meeting with IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach. These encounters, which also saw contributions from important South African sports officials including SASCOC President Barry Hendricks and CEO Nozipho Jafta, have solidified South Africa’s status as an Interested Party in the race for the 2036 Host City designation.

One of the remarkable shifts in the Olympic bidding process, as emphasized by the IOC, is the dramatic decrease in costs associated with submitting a bid — a drop of as much as 80%. This financial recalibration is accompanied by a strategic emphasis on sustainability, socio-economic development, and the optimal use of existing infrastructure. McKenzie, bolstered by positive discussions and the revised IOC bidding framework, highlighted the potential benefits of hosting the Games, both as a unifying national project and as a tool for extensive social and economic upliftment.

Gayton McKenzie assured Cabinet and the public that due diligence in the form of a comprehensive feasibility study, recommended by the IOC, would commence soon. This study will determine the most suitable city or combination of locations within South Africa to host the 2036 Games. He stressed the importance of this global event not just for South Africa but for showcasing the African continent as a whole.

Despite the enthusiasm, the bid process remains in its preliminary phase, with non-committal engagements ongoing. The focus is on molding an Olympic proposal that aligns with both national interests and the broader goals of the Olympic Movement. Given Africa's absence from the list of previous Olympic hosts, the potential selection of South Africa for 2036 is seen as a bid on behalf of the entire continent.

This progressive move aligns with the vision of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Government of National Unity, which is focused on reigniting national pride and exemplifying South Africa’s capabilities on the world stage. South Africa's ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games is not new; the country previously contended for the 2004 Games but was outbid by Athens, Greece. Yet, with this renewed interest and an evolved bidding environment, the dream for the 2036 Olympic Games may well be within reach.

Looking ahead, the Olympic timeline continues with the upcoming 2028 Games in Los Angeles and the 2032 Games set for Brisbane, Australia. Meanwhile, South Africa’s concerted effort to potentially host the Games in 2036 is a testament to the country’s growing role on the global sports stage and its commitment to fostering international unity through sport.