By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that South Africa has shown an interest in becoming the first African country to host the Olympics in 2036.
South Africa’s bid will be spread across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, Fullview understands SA is seen as a distinct outsider, with Qatar regarded as the frontrunner ahead of India and Hungary.
At this stage most of the other bids are being seen as placeholders for the 2040 Olympics.
In a handbook published on Tuesday, 06 October 2026, the IOC said the bids would be based on a number of technical factors – including the venues and athlete experience, political and public support, and the ability to deliver a great Games and a long-term legacy – as well as their vision for the Olympics.
“I was fortunate to compete at five Olympic Games, across four continents. Each had their own character,” said the IOC president Kirsty Coventry.
“Each host brought something unique through its people, its culture and the way it chose to stage the Games. But wherever the Games take place, one thing must never change: athletes have to be at the heart of everything we do.”
Other countries interested in bidding for 2036 have until the end of October to confirm their interest before nominations close. The IOC said that it would conduct feasibility assessments by March 2027 and in December 2028.
The 2028 Games will be held in Los Angeles, while Australia will host the Olympics for the first time in 32 years when Brisbane stages the event in 2032.