South Africa has made its bid to host the 2036 Olympics. If the bid proves to be successful, South Africa will become the first ever African country to host the Olympics.
Reportedly, South Africa has shown its interest in hosting the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.
For the same, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture – Gayton McKenzie, President of South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) – Barry Hendricks and CEO – Nozipho Jafta along with other stakeholders has recently met with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Considering this, McKenzie said that they are about to begin this exciting new process that could lead to South Africa in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. He added that South Africa is clearly showing its interest to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Notably, It has now been officially lodged with the IOC that marks the country as an Interested Party.
Leading this, a feasibility study will be conducted under the guidance of the IOC to determine which city, region or combination of places would be best suited to host the Games.
Followed by the updated approach of IOC to bid the emphasised sustainability, the socioeconomic development of the host country and the use of as many existing facilities as possible.
Minister McKenzie added that at present, the engagements with the IOC are not in a condition to be committed at all, with the emphasis being on how best to shape an Olympic bid. However, it will work best for South Africa and the Olympic Movement, under the guidance of the International Olympic Committee.
Furthermore, the President of IOC – Thomas Bach said that the IOC warmly welcomes the interest as well as the united commitment of Sascoc. It also invites the government of South Africa and the support of the IOC Member and other Honorary Members in South Africa.
Bach continued his statement and said that their interest has been presented to them as a project to organise the Olympic Games in South Africa, with and for the whole African continent.
According to him, the project could one day lead to the first Olympic Games in Africa, for the very first time.
Currently, the International Olympic Committee said that there are numerous other countries who are interested to host the 2036 Olympics. There are four continents who are in discussion to host a future edition of the Olympic Games.
The Minister mentioned that he will update the Cabinet on the upcoming process, which could take several months, before a decision is made on whether to submit an official bid for the Olympics or not.