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The International Olympic Committee, IOC has welcomed South Africa’s proposal to enter preliminary discussions about hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
This development followed a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, between IOC officials and a South African delegation led by the president of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), Barry Hendricks.
The delegation also included CEO Nozipho Jafta and South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.
Discussions focused on exploring potential opportunities and understanding the requirements for South Africa to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
The IOC’s Future Host Commission facilitated the talks, emphasizing collaboration and alignment with local priorities.
India, another contender, submitted its Letter of Intent earlier in October, joining a growing list of interested nations. Countries such as Chile, Egypt, Mexico, Qatar, and Turkey have also expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games.
South Africa, which made history in 2010 as the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup, is now aiming to bring the Olympic Games to the continent for the first time.
The IOC’s updated selection model prioritizes sustainability and flexibility, encouraging host cities to integrate the Games into their long-term development plans.
With preliminary discussions underway, South Africa’s bid could mark another milestone in the country’s sporting legacy.
