The coastal city has been named the country’s preferred candidate to lead a bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Durban, South Africa (02 November 2026) – Durban could one day welcome the world’s greatest sporting spectacle, with the coastal city officially named South Africa’s preferred candidate to lead the country’s bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The announcement marks an exciting step for South African sport, with KwaZulu-Natal now at the centre of the country’s ambitions to bring the Games to African soil.
The decision was confirmed by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), with acting president Lwandile Simelane announcing that Durban would lead the bid. The proposal is expected to follow a multi-city approach, with events potentially taking place in other parts of the country.
Johannesburg and Cape Town were also considered as possible lead cities, but Durban has now received the nod.
One of the city’s biggest attractions is the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, which was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and boasts a capacity of 56,000 spectators. Its existing sporting infrastructure and coastal setting could form part of an ambitious vision to showcase South Africa to the world.
The announcement is also being welcomed as an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs and inspire a new generation of young athletes.
Durban has previously been linked to major international sporting ambitions, including an attempt to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, that bid was withdrawn after the city failed to provide the required financial and other guarantees.
South Africa’s latest Olympic ambitions have also been developing over several years, with the country keeping both the 2036 and 2040 Games in consideration following renewed discussions with the International Olympic Committee.
While there is still a long road ahead before a host city is selected, Durban’s appointment puts South Africa’s Olympic dream firmly back in the spotlight.
Related Stories
Pedalling with Heart: Nicky and Team Ride 1,600km to Help Children Access Therapy
A New Chapter for Running, with Cape Town in the PictureAnd if the bid is successful, it would be a landmark moment for the continent, with Africa yet to host an Olympic Games.
For now, the dream is alive and South Africa is ready to make its case to the world.
by 
