Cabinet has confirmed that South Africa has initiated its intention to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced this during a post-cabinet press conference on Wednesday.

She says the Cabinet has approved for South Africa to enter into “Continuous Dialogue” with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as part of its intention to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games.

Ntshavheni says the talks with the IOC are preliminary and exploratory, which is critical to advance South Africa’s intention to bid for both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games.

She says the Cabinet expressed confidence in South Africa’s readiness to host the Olympics, given South Africa’s available infrastructure.

South Africa has hosted major international sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and co-hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Other large events include the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2023 Netball World Cup, and the 2022 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Cape Town put in a bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games, but it was awarded to Athens.

Africa has never hosted an Olympic Games. Egypt has also expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics.

The next summer Olympic Games will be held in the USA in 2028, with Los Angeles as the host city.

Organisers this week unveiled the schedule for the games, including the controversial decision to start with the women’s triathlon, with a spotlight on the women’s 100 metres.

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