In an exciting development for South African sports, a high-level delegation from the country recently sat down with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to discuss the potential of hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This move marks the first step in a long but promising journey to bring the prestigious event to Mzansi.
The delegation, led by Barry Hendricks, President of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC), along with SASCOC CEO Nozipho Jafta and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie, met with the IOC’s Future Host Cities team in Lausanne, Switzerland. This preliminary discussion was aimed at exploring what it would take for South Africa to become the official host for the 2036 Games.
Joining the conversation remotely were IOC members Anant Singh and Sam Ramsamy, who are also part of SASCOC’s board, bringing their expertise to the table. The meeting followed up on prior talks in October 2024 between SASCOC, Minister McKenzie, and IOC President Thomas Bach during his visit to South Africa.
A Vision for a Global Sporting Destination
South Africa’s interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics is a bold leap in the nation’s sporting history. The government and SASCOC are determined to showcase the country’s potential on the world stage, not only as a sporting hub but as a destination for excellence, sustainability, and unity.
“We have the capacity, expertise, and experience to deliver world-class events,” said Nozipho Jafta, SASCOC CEO. “This is an inspiring and exciting opportunity that could change lives, just as the Games have done for other countries.” Jafta expressed confidence that South Africa’s rich history in hosting international sports events—combined with its dynamic growth in infrastructure—makes it a prime contender for the Games.
Minister McKenzie emphasized that the discussions are still in the early stages, with a comprehensive feasibility study soon to be launched to assess the nation’s ability to support such a large-scale event. McKenzie will also present the meeting’s findings to South Africa’s cabinet for further deliberation.
The Road Ahead
This process will take several months as South Africa evaluates its readiness, with hopes of formally submitting a bid for consideration by the IOC. In an exciting shift in Olympic strategy, the IOC now prioritizes collaboration with host cities to create events that integrate seamlessly with local infrastructure and development goals—something that aligns well with South Africa’s vision of inclusive growth.
Hendricks, the SASCOC president, echoed these sentiments, calling the opportunity a “bold step forward” for the nation. “Hosting the Olympics would not only showcase South Africa to the world but also create a lasting legacy, boosting sports development, infrastructure, and national unity,” he said.
While the discussions remain exploratory at this stage, the shared excitement between South Africa’s representatives and the IOC indicates a promising future for the bid.
A History of Ambition
This is not South Africa’s first foray into bidding for the Olympics. The country previously campaigned to host the 2004 Games but lost to Athens, Greece. The upcoming 2028 Games will be hosted by Los Angeles, followed by Brisbane, Australia, for 2032. If South Africa’s bid for 2036 moves forward, it would mark a historic moment for the continent, bringing the Olympic spotlight to Southern Africa for the first time.
While some critics question the financial feasibility of such a large undertaking, many see this as an opportunity for South Africa to make an indelible mark on the world sporting map—creating not just a memorable event but a lasting legacy of growth and development for generations to come.
Will South Africa’s bid for the 2036 Olympics succeed, or is it a pipe dream that’s more trouble than it’s worth? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the journey has only just begun.
