South Africa Selects Durban to Lead 2036 or 2040 Olympic Bid

South Africa has selected Durban as the centerpiece of its bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, potentially bringing the Games to Africa for the first time. The proposal has Cabinet backing and is expected to be a multi-city bid, with events also held in other metropolitan areas and existing venues from the 2010 FIFA World Cup used where possible. The International Olympic Committee is expected to select the 2036 host in 2029; South Africa has not yet released a detailed cost estimate. Durban previously lost the right to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games after failing to meet key obligations, a history that may underscore the challenge of delivering the bid.