When will it be Africa's turn? Prospects and challenges for South Africa hosting the Olympic Games

Abstract

South Africa's hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has raised critical debates relating to the ability of developing countries to successfully host events of this magnitude. Yet some cities in South Africa have indicated an interest in bidding for the Olympic Games in the future, including Cape Town, which was one of the cities that bid in 2004. This article examines the opportunities and challenges that a South African city willing to bid for and host the Games is likely to face. Furthermore, current experiences linked to South Africa's preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are considered, and these relate to political aspects, infrastructural considerations as well as developmental and legacy imperatives.