South Africa has stunned the sporting world with a jaw-dropping announcement: the nation intends to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Olympic Games.
The bold move, revealed in November 2025, marks a historic moment for Africa’s most industrialized economy, which previously hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is now setting its sights on the biggest global stage.
Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed the plan during a press briefing, saying Pretoria had entered “continuous dialogue” with the International Olympic Committee, now led by Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry.
Ntshavheni emphasized that this was a “preliminary and exploratory engagement” but insisted South Africa already has the lavish infrastructure needed to host the Games. “Even if we are offered the Games tomorrow, cabinet is confident that we should be able to host them with our facilities,” she said.
While no specific host city has been named, Cape Town previously bid for the 2004 Games, which ultimately went to Athens.
South Africa’s potential venues include world-class stadiums and arenas built for the 2010 World Cup, alongside modern facilities in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
The announcement comes as South Africa continues to put its weight behind international sporting events. The country has already bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix at the historic Kyalami track from 2027 and is organizing the 2027 men’s Cricket World Cup.
Former IOC president Thomas Bach praised South Africa’s stability and vision during a visit in 2024, saying the nation had “the infrastructure and vision to stage an Olympics.”
The next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles in 2028, followed by Brisbane in 2032. Meanwhile, Munich has approved a plan to bid for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Games.
Senegal’s Dakar will make history in 2026 as the first African city to host the Youth Olympics, setting the stage for South Africa’s ambitious bid.
Social media lit up with emotional responses to the announcement. One fan wrote: “Finally, Africa is stepping up for the Olympics — this is historic.” Another added: “South Africa hosting the Games would be jaw-dropping. The world needs this.”
With its bold Olympic bid, South Africa isn’t just chasing medals — it’s chasing history, promising a heartfelt celebration of sport that could redefine the continent’s global legacy.
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