Pretoria - With hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Durban will be showcased to the world, says KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“We see the 2022 Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to put Durban on the world’s sporting as well as investment map,” said the MEC.
Durban has officially been named the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games - making it the first African city to host the games.
The 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth Games Federation made the decision unanimously on Wednesday after receiving Durban's final candidate city briefing at the general assembly in Auckland, New Zealand.
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 on 18 July which marks the birthday of former President Nelson Mandela who died in 2013.
“The 2022 Commonwealth will be a great success and important for the city’s long-term development,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.
According to MEC Dube-Ncube, South Africa's record in hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Rugby World Cup in 1995 has demonstrated the country’s organisational ability. “We are now ready to go further and host a multi-sports event of the scale of the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
The MEC welcomed the decision to use existing infrastructure to minimise costs.
An athletics track is to be installed at Durban’s landmark Moses Mabhida Stadium and venues are already in place to host cycling, swimming and indoor events. An athletes’ village will be constructed.
“As the provincial government, we will forge ahead with development initiatives aimed at maximising sponsorships for the games and growing the event’s profit in the process,” added MEC Dube-Ncube. - SAnews.gov.za
