South Africa pursues Olympic Games for Durban in 2036 or 2040

The decision positions Durban, a major port city on South Africa's eastern coast, as the nation's flagship candidate to secure one of the two targeted Olympic editions. The dual-bid strategy provides flexibility in the International Olympic Committee's selection process while demonstrating South Africa's commitment to hosting the global sporting spectacle.

Durban's candidacy represents a significant opportunity for the African continent, which has never hosted the Summer Olympic Games. The city's existing sporting infrastructure, including venues from previous major international events, forms part of the proposal's foundation. Authorities have emphasized the potential for Olympic investment to boost economic development and tourism in the region.

The Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms have made the bidding process more flexible, allowing nations to propose multiple candidate cities and timelines. South Africa's two-pronged approach aligns with this modernized framework, giving the country enhanced prospects of securing the Games during one of the proposed cycles.

The International Olympic Committee will evaluate all candidate cities through its revised selection procedures in coming years. South Africa joins other nations pursuing hosting rights for these Olympic editions, with the formal decision process expected to advance following the upcoming Olympic Games.