South Africa explores hosting the 2036 Olympic Games
The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) President Barry Hendricks, alongside CEO Nozipho Jafta and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, recently attended a meeting at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne in Switzerland.
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The delegation met with the IOC’s Future Host Cities team to explore the potential opportunities and requirements for South Africa to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
IOC Member Anant Singh and Honorary IOC Member Sam Ramsamy, also SASCOC board members, participated virtually and contributed to this discussion.
This meeting follows discussions held in October 2024 between SASCOC, McKenzie, and IOC President Thomas Bach during his visit to South Africa.
South Africa has officially expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Deliberation
At this preliminary stage, the process involves conducting a comprehensive feasibility study, guided by the IOC, to assess the country’s capability and suitability to host the Games.
McKenzie will present the meeting outcomes to cabinet for deliberation.
This is the first step in a meticulous process that will take several months before an official bid may be lodged for the IOC’s consideration.
The IOC’s revised approach to hosting Olympic events prioritises collaboration with host countries, regions, and cities to design Games that integrate with local priorities and infrastructure.
This shift aligns well with South Africa’s strategic vision for inclusive development and sustainability.
Speaking about the opportunity, Hendricks remarked: “South Africa’s interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics represents a bold step forward in our nation’s sporting journey.
“Hosting the Games would showcase South Africa as a global destination for excellence and create a lasting legacy promoting sports development, infrastructure growth, and national unity.
“I believe that the support of IOC members Anant Singh and Sam Ramsamy and IPC board member Debbie Alexander will enhance this project.
“They bring valuable experience and expertise, which will form a key component in the consultative process and ultimate success.”
SASCOC is proud to work alongside the government and the IOC as we explore this exciting possibility.”
‘World-class events’
SASCOC CEO Nozipho Jafta added, “We have the capacity, expertise, and experience to deliver world-class events.
“We have done it before. I truly believe this inspiring and exciting event will change people’s lives for the better.
“Taking from the minister’s message, we came here to learn.
“This was a fact-finding mission, and we are excited about the opportunity.”
The IOC has welcomed South Africa’s interest and recognises the united commitment of SASCOC, the South African government, and local IOC and IPC representatives to explore this initiative.
While the discussions remain non-committal at this stage, they reflect a shared enthusiasm for creating opportunities that transcend sport and positively impact communities.
South Africa previously bid to host the 2004 Olympics and Paralympics but lost out to Athens in Greece.
The next Olympics will be held in 2028 in Los Angeles, with Brisbane in Australia to host the 2032 edition.
Should South Africa bid for the Olympics – or is it a giant waste of money?
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