South Africa has officially announced its intention to bid for the hosting rights of the 2036 or 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The move would mark the first time the global sporting event is held on the African continent.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed the decision, stating that Cabinet has approved entering a "continuous dialogue" with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This preliminary engagement is the first step in advancing the country's bid, Xinhua reported.

South Africa, which has previously hosted major international events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup, expressed confidence in its available infrastructure to successfully stage the Olympics. The country previously bid unsuccessfully for the 2004 Games.