South Africa's Government has formally backed Durban's bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

South Africa's Government has officially approved Durban's bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, removing the final obstacle to the event being awarded to an African country for the first time in its history.

South Africa's Cabinet estimated that the Games could generate ZAR20 billion (£975 million/$1.5 billion/€1.4 billion) in output, giving the country's gross domestic product a boost of ZAR11 billion (£537 million/$827 million/€739 million) and provide employment opportunities for at least 11,500 people. 

Durban 2022 has budgeted ZAR6.4 billion (£313 million/$481 million/€430 million) to prepare for and host the event, which they are expected to be formally awarded at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly here on Wednesday (September 2). 

“This is the first time that Africa will host the Commonwealth Games and will position South Africa as a sport tourism destination and also provide opportunities for Team South Africa,” the Cabinet said in a statement.

"Hosting will also make use of the infrastructure legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup."

The Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup, will be the centrepiece of the Commonwealth Games.

It is expected to host the Opening Ceremony, the athletics and the rugby sevens. 

Durban hosting the Commonwealth Games would help ensure facilities built for the 2010 World Cup, like the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which will host several events, including rugby sevens, would be used
Durban hosting the Commonwealth Games would help ensure facilities built for the 2010 World Cup, like the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which will host several events, including rugby sevens, would be used ©Durban 2022

Durban is the only bidder for the for Games following the withdrawal of Edmonton in February due to falling oil prices.

The lack of financial guarantees had been the main concern raised in the report of the CGF Evaluation Commission published earlier this month.

Durban 2022 had been requested to offer assurances prior to the General Assembly.

Had they failed to provide the guarantees, the signing of the Host City Contract would likely have been deferred until the condition was met, with a deadline for a resolution proposed within 90 days of the end of the Assembly.

Durban's bid delegation here is set to be led by South Africa's Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula and the city's Mayor James Nxumalo.

A number of well-known South African sportsmen and women are also expected to join them.



Related stories
August 2015: Hosting 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban will be "vote of confidence" for Africa claims bid chief executive
August 2015: Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games bid recommended by Evaluation Commission but guarantees sought over finances and venues
July 2015: Durban 2022 set to move rugby sevens to Moses Mabhida Stadium
July 2015: Commonwealth Games Associations begin visiting South Africa to inspect Durban 2022 bid
June 2015: Local Government would pay $90 million towards Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games