The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) announced on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that Durban would be at the centre of the country’s bid to host the global sporting event.

SASCOC acting president Lwandile Simelane said the country planned to pursue the opportunity to host either the 2036 or 2040 Games, an ambition that could put Africa on a new chapter in Olympic history.

The proposal has already received backing from South Africa’s government following approval by the Cabinet, giving the country a stronger footing as it prepares to present its plans to the international Olympic authorities.

SASCOC is expected to submit the proposal to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission in November 2026. The commission works with countries and cities interested in hosting future editions of the Games.

An assessment of South Africa’s readiness and ability to stage the Olympics is expected to be completed by March 2027, while the final decision on the host city is scheduled for 2029.

For Durban, the latest announcement brings another opportunity to establish itself as a destination for major international sporting events. The city was awarded the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games in 2015, but lost the opportunity in 2017 after the Commonwealth Games Federation said key commitments had not been met.

South Africa, however, has already demonstrated its ability to host a major global sporting competition. In 2010, it became the first African country to stage the FIFA World Cup, with Durban among the cities that welcomed teams and supporters from around the world.

The city’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, one of its best-known sporting venues, remains a reminder of that tournament.

Despite Africa’s rich sporting talent and growing presence on the international stage, the continent has never hosted the Olympic Games, either in summer or winter.

The next two Summer Olympics are scheduled for Los Angeles in the United States in 2028 and Brisbane in Australia in 2032.

If South Africa’s bid succeeds, it would be a landmark moment for the continent, giving Africa its first opportunity to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events and welcoming athletes and fans from across the globe.