Overview
- The government confirmed it has begun “continuous dialogue” with the International Olympic Committee as an exploratory step toward a potential bid.
- No host city has been named, though reporting indicates Cape Town is the likely contender after previously bidding for the 2004 Games.
- Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said South Africa could host using current facilities and would not require significant new investment.
- The effort seeks to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Africa for the first time, as Dakar prepares to stage the Youth Olympics in 2026.
- Other prospective 2036 bidders include Ahmedabad, Doha, Istanbul and Santiago, while South Africa also plans to co-host the 2027 men’s Cricket World Cup.