What’s next for the 2036 games?

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South Africa is throwing its hat into the ring for the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The country is officially an ‘Interested Party.’

SOUTH AFRICA’S OLYMPIC BID

This marks the beginning of a long and exciting journey towards possibly hosting the first-ever Olympics on African soil.

South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, met with top officials from the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).

They gathered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

This meeting laid the groundwork for a potential bid, according to Business Tech.

McKenzie stated, “We are at the start of an exciting new process.” He added that this process could lead to South Africa hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN AFRICA

At this stage, the country’s interest in hosting the Games has been officially lodged with the IOC.

They will now conduct a feasibility study to assess which city, region, or combination of areas would best suit the event.

This study will focus on sustainability, socio-economic development, and the use of existing infrastructure to keep costs manageable.

“We are looking at how to shape an Olympic bid that works best for South Africa and the Olympic Movement,” McKenzie added.

SUPPORT FOR OLYMPIC GAMES IN SOUTH AFRICA

The IOC has emphasised that this process is still exploratory. The focus for now is on laying out the vision for what could become a groundbreaking event for Africa.

IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his support for the bid, according to Cape Town ETC.

“It has been presented to us as a project to organise Olympic Games in South Africa—with and for the whole African continent.

This project could one day lead to the first Olympic Games in Africa.”

UNITING AFRICA WITH THE OLYMPICS

The backing from the IOC signals that South Africa’s ambition to host the Games is gaining traction.

The potential for a South African Olympics is more than just a sports event; it is seen as a chance to unite the African continent.

McKenzie shared, “Building around the vision of the first African Olympics will bring us together and showcase Africa to the world.”

The goal is not just to host the Games, but to foster pride and a shared sense of purpose across the entire continent, according to EWN.

CHALLENGES

Barry Hendricks, President of Sascoc, was equally enthusiastic.

He said, “We are ready to engage with the IOC to host the world’s greatest sporting spectacle.

A South African Olympics could inspire a new generation of athletes across Africa.”

But the journey to hosting the Games comes with its challenges. The cost of hosting the Olympics is enormous.

EXPENSIVE TO HOST

According to various studies, hosting the Games can cost an average of $12 billion (about R218.8 billion).

Non-sports-related costs—such as upgrading infrastructure—can push the figure much higher.

Despite these financial challenges, McKenzie believes the investment is worthwhile.

He pointed out that under the IOC’s updated approach, the costs of bidding have dropped by as much as 80%.

The focus is now on making the Games as affordable as possible, while also ensuring that the benefits—economic, social, and cultural—outweigh the financial burdens.

OLYMPIC BIDDING PROCESS

The process of bidding for the Games is expected to take several months.

McKenzie plans to update Cabinet on the progress and make a final decision on whether to submit an official bid.

It’s clear that the South African government is fully committed to this vision.

SPORTING EXCELLENCE

For South Africans, the prospect of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games is an exciting one.

It promises not only to showcase the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes but also to leave a legacy of sporting excellence across the continent.

With the backing of the IOC and the passion of South African officials, the dream of an African Olympics is starting to feel more like a reality.