Durban to bid to host 2022 Commonwealth Games

THE City of Durban has been encouraged by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) to state its intention to bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. City Manager, Sibusiso Sithole announced this at a meeting of the Executive Committee on Tuesday. He said at this stage the municipality was only indicating its intention to bid which had no cost implications.

Sithole told EXCO that bidding for the Games would require national and provincial government support and involvement.

“The bidding process comes with cost implications. Therefore, we will have to look at the financial implications and do our cost analysis. When it comes to hosting such an event we will not be doing it as Durban alone. This is an international event and we would expect national government to assist,” he said.

Sithole added that if Durban was to win the bid, Provincial Government would also be involved, as has happened with other high profile events.

Bidding formally ends in March 2015 and the announcement regarding the successful bidder will be held in September 2015.