Durban Set to Compete for 2036 and 2040 Olympic Host City Honours
South Africa's coastal city aims to become the continent's next Olympic host, with a bid that could see it break historical records.
Durban has been named as South Africa's candidate city for hosting the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, reported by several outlets 12. This selection comes at a time when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to make its decision on the 2036 host city in mid-2029, with South Africa among seven nations vying for this prestigious honour 12.
The choice of Durban as the leading contender is significant, as it marks a return to the Olympic aspirations that followed the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. However, cost considerations had previously hindered the country's ability to make an official bid, pushing back these ambitions for over a decade 12.
Durban's bid is bolstered by its infrastructure, particularly the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 56,000 and stands ready to play a central role in any future Olympic events 2. This stadium, along with other facilities, could provide the necessary venues for the diverse range of sports included in the Olympic programme.
While Durban leads the charge, other major South African cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town were also considered as potential candidates for the Olympic bid 12. These cities, known for their vibrant cultures and modern amenities, represent strong contenders within the country's rich tapestry of urban centres.
If Durban secures the 2036 Games, it would mark a historic moment for Africa, as South Africa would become the first African nation to host the Summer Olympics since 1896 2. This achievement would not only highlight the continent's growing prominence in international sports but also serve as a catalyst for further development and investment in the region.
The deadline for national Olympic committees to express interest in bidding for the 2036 Games passed on 31 October, setting the stage for the IOC's decision-making process 12. As the countdown to the mid-2029 announcement continues, all eyes will be on Durban and its potential to bring the world's largest sporting event to the shores of South Africa.
What we know
- - Durban is South Africa's chosen candidate city for hosting the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics 12
- - The International Olympic Committee will decide the host city for 2036 in mid-2029 12
- - South Africa is one of seven countries bidding for the 2036 Games 12
- - If successful, South Africa would be the first African host of the Summer Games since 1896 2
- - Johannesburg and Cape Town were also considered as potential candidate cities 12
- - Durban was previously considered for hosting the Olympics following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa 12
- - Cost concerns prevented South Africa from making an official Olympic bid more than a decade ago 12
- - The deadline for national Olympic committees to express interest in bidding for the 2036 Games was set for 31 October 12
- - Moses Mabhida Stadium, with a capacity of 56,000, would be central to Durban's bid 2
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 69%, weighted across 10 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely Durban is South Africa's chosen candidate city for hosting the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. (72%)
- likely The International Olympic Committee will decide the host city for 2036 in mid-2029. (72%)
- likely South Africa is one of seven countries bidding for the 2036 Games. (72%)
- likely If successful, South Africa would be the first African host of the Summer Games since 1896. (71%)
- unverified Lwandile Simelane, the acting president of the South African Olympic committee, made the announcement. (51%)
- likely Johannesburg and Cape Town were also considered as potential candidate cities. (72%)
- likely Durban was previously considered for hosting the Olympics following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. (72%)
- likely Cost concerns prevented South Africa from making an official Olympic bid more than a decade ago. (72%)
- likely The deadline for national Olympic committees to express interest in bidding for the 2036 Games was set for 31 October. (72%)
- likely Moses Mabhida Stadium, with a capacity of 56,000, would be central to Durban's bid. (71%)
Sources
- The Guardian Sport — Durban selected as South Africa’s candidate for Olympic bids in 2036 and 2040
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/29/durban-selected-south-africa-candidate-olympic-bids-2036-2040 - Al Jazeera — Olympic Games: South Africa bids to make Durban host city for 2036 or 2040
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/29/olympic-games-south-africa-bid-to-make-durban-host-city-for-2036-or-2040?traffic_source=rss