2nd September, 2015
South African city of Durban will host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first African city to be awarded the multi-sports event.
South Africa’s third largest city was the only candidate in the vote for 2022 hosting rights after Canada’s Edmonton withdrew in February, citing cost concerns.
“A historic decision for all of us and one that my commission completely endorses,” newly-elected Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Louise Martin told the organisation’s general assembly in Auckland.
Martin was elected the first female president of the federation, deposing incumbent Prince Tunku Imran of Malaysia who held the role for four years.
For Durban, the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth Games Federation made the decision unanimously Wednesday after receiving Durban’s final candidate city briefing at the general assembly in Auckland. Durban was the only candidate left when Edmonton, Canada withdrew its bid in February, citing costs.
The general assembly also voted to increase the number of compulsory sports at the games from 10 to 16.
The games are scheduled to open July 18, 2022 — marking the birthday of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela who died in 2013.
“We are ready to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time on African soil,” CGF vice-president and South African Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam said.
“The fundamental premise of our submission is that the Games will provide the opportunity at both an economic and social level in particular the development and inspiration of young people not only in South Africa but the rest of the Commonwealth.
“Youth empowerment sits as the core of our legacy programme, a legacy that will begin with your awarding of the Games.”
The CGF evaluation commission recommended in July that Durban should be awarded the Games but also expressed some concerns about possible funding shortfalls and the approach organisers were taking to financing and developing venues.
It also sought guarantees on the risk associated with the construction of the athletes village, which is being built as part of a wider urban development scheme to address housing shortages in the wider-Durban area.
The next Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast in Australia in 2018.