President Jacob Zuma during a press conference with Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
On Tuesday, President Jacob Zuma stated that South Africa would be “very happy” if it became the first African Nation to host the 2024 Olympics.
“If we are given an opportunity in the near future, we’ll certainly welcome that,” Zuma told reporters at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo when asked for his thoughts on South Africa bidding for the Games next decade.
“I think South Africa will be very happy to host the Olympics. We have, I think, sufficient facilities to do so.”
In 2010, South Africa became the first African nation to host the football World Cup.
“Ever since 1994, we have been part of the world and have hosted a number of important world events and when it comes to the Olympics, you know, we also attempted to host it,” he said.
South Africa opted out of bidding for the 2020 Games, although Durban was seen as the country’s more likely candidate, with the government saying it had more pressing national priorities.
In 2012, the South African Olympic Committee launched a feasibility study on bidding for the 2024 Olympics.
“We certainly welcome if the Olympic committee offered us to host,” Zuma said, adding that his country “will waste no time” in gearing up for the challenge. – IOL News
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