South Africa has entered the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games, setting up the possibility of the first Olympics ever held on African soil.

The country is one of seven currently interested in hosting the Games, alongside India, Qatar, Germany, Hungary, Türkiye and South Korea, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Countries have until 31 October 2026 to formally declare their interest.

South Africa Could Make Olympic History

South Africa has previously hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

However, the country has never hosted the Olympic Games. A successful 2036 bid would also make South Africa the first African nation to stage the event.

The Guardian reported that Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban could form part of South Africa’s proposal.

IOC president Kirsty Coventry said future hosts will be expected to place athletes at the centre of their planning.

Potential hosts will also be assessed on factors including their ability to fund the Games as well as political and public support.

Questions Over The Cost

Hosting the Olympics would come with significant financial and infrastructure demands.

The Citizen raised concerns over the cost of building or upgrading specialised sporting venues, improving public transport and providing the financial guarantees required to stage the Games.

South Africa also has previous experience of a major sporting bid falling apart over finances. Durban was originally awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games but later lost the hosting rights after the country failed to meet key financial commitments and deadlines.

What Happens Next?

The IOC Executive Board is expected to draw up a shortlist of interested countries in March 2027.

Those selected will then continue discussions with the Olympic body as the process to choose the 2036 host progresses.

The next Summer Olympics will be hosted by Los Angeles in 2028, followed by Brisbane in 2032.

For South Africa, 2036 could present another chance to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events, but questions over affordability, infrastructure and long-term value are likely to form a major part of the debate.