The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enthusiastically welcomed South Africa’s proposal to begin preliminary discussions on the possibility of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036. The initiative, presented at a meeting at the Olympic House in Lausanne, marks the start of an ambitious project that could see South Africa become the first African country to host the world’s biggest sporting event.
The South African delegation was led by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, accompanied by South African National Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President Barry Hendricks and CEO Nozipho Jafta. The project is supported by South African IOC member Anant Singh and honorary member Sam Ramsamy.
SOUTH AFRICA, THE LEADER OF A CONTINENTAL VISION
IOC President Thomas Bach underlined the importance of this interest. “The IOC welcomes this proposal and the united commitment of SASCOC, the South African government and our representatives in South Africa. This project is not only about hosting an Olympic Games in South Africa, but is intended as a project for the whole of Africa,” said Bach, underlining the historic impact that the first Olympic Games on the African continent would have.
Minister Gayton McKenzie added: “We are at the beginning of an exciting process that could see South Africa host the 2036 Olympic Games. This vision brings us together as a nation and has the potential to show the world the best of Africa.”
OTHERS INTERESTED IN THE 2036 OLYMPIC GAMES
South Africa is not alone in the race for the 2036 Olympics. Countries that have already expressed interest include Chile, Egypt, India, Mexico, Qatar and Turkey. Each of these contenders is in preliminary talks with the IOC under the new venue selection model, which seeks to accommodate the needs of host regions and encourage sustainability.
Barry Hendricks, president of SASCOC, emphasised the advantages of this new approach: “The old prescriptions of how a Games should be organised no longer exist. An Olympics in South Africa could showcase all the wonders of our country and inspire a new generation of athletes not only in South Africa, but across the continent.”
AN EVOLVING PROCESS FOR THE GAMES OF THE FUTURE
The IOC has introduced a flexible approach to the selection of future Olympic venues, allowing interested countries to work collaboratively to develop projects tailored to their realities. The body is currently in talks with more than a dozen stakeholders from four continents.
The South African bid represents not only a milestone for the country, but also a significant step for the Olympic Movement as it seeks to diversify venues and bring the Games to regions that have never hosted them before. It would be a symbol of unity and progress for the entire African continent.
