South Africa Aims for 2036 Olympics and Formula One Return
Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed strong confidence that South Africa will host the 2036 Olympic Games, marking a historic first for the continent. Last year, McKenzie, along with the President of the South African Sports Confederation Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Barry Hendricks, and CEO, Ms. Nozipho Jafta, met with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, to formally express the country's interest in hosting the prestigious event.
McKenzie stated that the country is at the beginning of an exciting process that could lead to hosting the Olympic Games. He noted that a feasibility study will be conducted under IOC guidance to determine the most suitable city or region for the event. The IOC's updated bidding approach emphasizes sustainability, socioeconomic development, and the use of existing facilities.
In a recent interview on the SMWX Podcast, McKenzie reiterated his belief that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are on their way to South Africa. He mentioned having met with IOC President Thomas Bach and the relevant committee, emphasizing that his statements are based on informed discussions rather than speculation.
Additionally, McKenzie is committed to bringing Formula One back to South Africa. He revealed that a Bid Steering Committee has been appointed to manage the country's bid for hosting an F1 race. Despite facing competition from Rwanda, McKenzie is determined to secure the event, stating that South Africa has previously attempted to host F1 but has not succeeded. He emphasized a new, focused approach to the bid process, asserting that by 2027, South Africa will successfully host the Formula One race.
McKenzie stated that the country is at the beginning of an exciting process that could lead to hosting the Olympic Games. He noted that a feasibility study will be conducted under IOC guidance to determine the most suitable city or region for the event. The IOC's updated bidding approach emphasizes sustainability, socioeconomic development, and the use of existing facilities.
In a recent interview on the SMWX Podcast, McKenzie reiterated his belief that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are on their way to South Africa. He mentioned having met with IOC President Thomas Bach and the relevant committee, emphasizing that his statements are based on informed discussions rather than speculation.
Additionally, McKenzie is committed to bringing Formula One back to South Africa. He revealed that a Bid Steering Committee has been appointed to manage the country's bid for hosting an F1 race. Despite facing competition from Rwanda, McKenzie is determined to secure the event, stating that South Africa has previously attempted to host F1 but has not succeeded. He emphasized a new, focused approach to the bid process, asserting that by 2027, South Africa will successfully host the Formula One race.
