Olympic
South Africa has announced the initiation of its intention to bid for either the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking its ambition to become the first African nation to host the event. The government says current infrastructure is largely sufficient and discussions with the International Olympic Committee are ongoing.
South Africa has declared its intention to enter the bid process for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games, signalling a historic aspiration to bring the Games to Africa for the first time.
Announced by Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency, the move comes as part of a broader push to attract major international events and raise the country’s global sporting profile. “South Africa initiates its intention to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Olympic Games,” she said in a media briefing.
The minister emphasised that this is a “preliminary and exploratory engagement” with the International Olympic Committee, underscoring that no formal bid package has yet been lodged and that discussions remain in the early stage.
Asked about readiness, Ntshavheni said the country would not require massive new investment to bring the Games home, arguing that existing infrastructure offers a strong platform. “Even if we are offered the games tomorrow, Cabinet is confident that we should be able to host them with our facilities,” she said.
South Africa is already building a record of hosting major sport events, including bidding for a Formula One Grand Prix at the Kyalami track near Johannesburg from 2027. The Olympics bid is being presented as the next leap.
